Five-time world champions Brazil begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a heavyweight Group C showdown against African giants and 2025 AFCON champions Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday.
The Selecao enter the tournament aiming to end a 24-year wait for a sixth world title under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, who became Brazil’s first-ever foreign manager in 2025. The Italian has already committed his future to the national team by signing a long-term extension that will keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup.
Despite a difficult qualification campaign that saw Brazil finish fifth in the CONMEBOL standings, they arrive in North America with momentum after victories over Croatia, Panama and Egypt, scoring 11 goals across those three matches.
Brazil’s official social media channels have highlighted the squad’s intense preparations, sharing footage of gym and field sessions ahead of the tournament opener. With stars such as Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Bruno Guimaraes available, expectations remain high for a nation that has appeared at every World Cup since 1930.
Standing in their way are Morocco, one of the most respected teams in international football following their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. The Atlas Lions have continued their rise in recent years, recording 33 wins, 10 draws and only two defeats since the start of 2023. After being crowned 2025 AFCON champions and completing a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign, Morocco enter the tournament full of belief.
Under new coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who replaced Walid Regragui less than 100 days before the tournament, Morocco remain unbeaten in five matches. They will also take confidence from their most recent meeting with Brazil, a memorable 2-1 friendly victory in March 2023.
Team News
Brazil star Neymar remains sidelined with a calf injury and is not expected to feature, while Wesley has been ruled out of the tournament. Alisson Becker, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bruno Guimaraes, Vinicius Junior and Raphinha are all expected to start.
In Morocco, Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli miss the tournament through injury. Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz are set to lead the side, while Noussair Mazraoui faces a late fitness test after a shoulder problem.
Possible Lineups
Brazil possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha
Morocco possible starting lineup:
Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 23:00 (WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts Brazil 2-1 Morocco.
This promises to be one of the most entertaining opening matches of the tournament. Morocco possess the quality, tactical discipline and confidence to trouble any opponent, while Brazil’s attacking talent and big-game experience make them one of the favourites to lift the trophy. The Atlas Lions should make life difficult for the South Americans, but Brazil’s depth and individual brilliance could ultimately prove decisive.
