Brazil fans and the media have issued a firm verdict on Casemiro after the Selecao’s opening 2026 World Cup match against Morocco on Saturday night.
The five-time world champions haven’t won the World Cup since 2002 but are among the favourites to lift football’s most iconic trophy on July 19.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side got off to an inauspicious start with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Ismael Saibari gave Morocco the lead in the 21st minute with an excellent finish past Liverpool’s Alisson Becker. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, one of the contenders for the Ballon d’Or award, equalised with a goal of similar quality 10 minutes later.
No further goals were scored as the two sides, currently placed sixth and seventh in the latest FIFA rankings, escaped with one point apiece.
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Casemiro vs MoroccoCaean Couto via Reuters
Ancelotti made two changes at half-time, replacing right-back Ibanez with Danilo, and hooking Casemiro for Fabinho.
Casemiro, who has departed Manchester United despite an impressive final campaign with the Red Devils, has been heavily criticised for his unconvincing performance by Brazilian football fans and the media alike.
Goal handed the 34-year-old a 4/10 rating, commenting: “Had a real nightmare in midfield. Never kept up with the pace of the game, booked before half time, and hooked at the break.”
The reaction has been even more brutal on social media. One Brazilian fan account with 84,000 followers on X (Twitter) posted: “Casemiro: slow, immobile, not press resistant, can’t turn, can’t pass, no technical ability. It’s been a good 15 years but it’s time to go.”
One eye-opening clip shows Casemiro half-heartedly running back to his own half after losing possession:
Another tweet with a photo of Casemiro alongside the caption “This guy can't be a starter for the Brazilian national team in a World Cup” has gone viral. And another Brazil supporter tweeted:
“Casemiro doesn't have the conditions to play in this World Cup. It's embarrassing.”
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Meanwhile, BBC Sport football reporter Simon Stone tweeted: “Man Utd probably glad they didn’t give Casemiro one more year on this evidence.”
Many Brazil fans on social media are calling for former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, 32, to start over Casemiro in the Selecao’s next Group C match against minnows Haiti on June 19.
Fabinho, no spring chicken himself, has been playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad since 2023.