Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has kept 19-year-old forward Endrick on the bench during the opening matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Morocco and Haiti.
The manager chose to moderate the teenager's minutes despite Neymar's ongoing absence due to a Grade 2 right calf muscle strain suffered on May 17.
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Instead, Brazil started Matheus Cunha up front, with Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior maintaining their places in the lineup.
Endrick, who has 17 senior caps and four goals for Brazil, did not feature in the 1-1 draw against Morocco.
The Real Madrid prospect spent the late 2025-26 season on loan with Ligue 1 side Lyon.
Ancelotti's Plan for Endrick
“I'll bring Endrick on at the right moment. We'll have to wait a little while.
He'll be important in this World Cup,” Ancelotti said.
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“For me, personally, Endrick is an extraordinary talent.
Brazil will make the most of his qualities in this World Cup and in the next one too,” the coach added.
Ancelotti clarified that Endrick's integration into the tournament is completely independent of Neymar's rehabilitation timeline, which targets a potential knockout-stage return.
“Because I will put Endrick in at the right moment. We have to wait a little.
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He will be important,” Ancelotti stated.
