Brazil and Morocco will face off this Saturday in the first major matchup of the 2026 World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey—the venue for the final—where the most successful team and the most promising team will go head-to-head, the latter having suffered two significant last-minute setbacks.
They are the two clear favorites in Group C, which also includes Scotland and Haiti.
Brazil Seeks to Regain Its Former Glory
The Canarinha is aiming to end a drought that has lasted more than two decades and win its sixth title.
Meanwhile, the Atlas Lions are looking to cement their historic fourth-place finish at Qatar 2022 and build on the success of a golden generation led by Achraf Hakimi and now joined by Brahim Díaz.
The match between the two teams could already be decisive in determining the group leader.
Brazil has been undergoing a period of profound transformation since the arrival of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti in May 2025.
The five-time world champion is coming off its worst-ever South American qualifiers.
Carletto’s arrival has lifted the spirits of fans who were disappointed after the team’s quarterfinal exits at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But the team still has some concerning defensive weaknesses—it has conceded 10 goals in its last 7 games.
Media attention remains focused on Neymar, who arrived at training camp injured, and Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha are still expected to step up.
Santos’ No. 10, who is recovering from a Grade II injury to his right calf, has not yet trained with the team.
It is almost certain that he will not be able to make his “final appearance” at the World Cup (Filed under: Brazil vs. Morocco at the 2026 World Cup).
Brazil is confident of winning its sixth World Cup title
Nevertheless, the Seleção’s starting goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, believes they can win a sixth World Cup title.
“We’re feeling confident. Because of our training, our hard work, our quality, and what we’re becoming as a team.”
“We hope all of that pays off as early as the first match against Morocco,” said the Liverpool goalkeeper.
As for Ancelotti’s starting lineup in his first World Cup as a coach, it appears the Italian manager will ultimately set aside his plan to field four forwards.
And he will opt for a playmaker and an attacking trio consisting of Vinícius, Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha.
Problems are piling up on defense.
Fullback Wesley was injured in the last friendly match against Egypt and had to be withdrawn from the squad.
To replace him, ‘Carletto’ called up midfielder Éderson (Atalanta).
Thus, Danilo and Alex Sandro, who have faced significant criticism at Flamengo, will form the fullback pairing (Filed under: Brazil vs. Morocco at the 2026 World Cup).
Morocco arrives undefeated, but has been hit hard by key absences
Morocco knows that Brazil has lost the dominance it once had and wants to make a statement at the World Cup.
However, the African team is also going through a period of adjustment.
Mohamed Ouahbi has been at the helm since March; he led the Moroccan U-20 team to the world title in October 2025.
The coach heads into this World Cup with an unbeaten record at the senior level, having recorded two draws (against Ecuador and Norway) and three wins (against Paraguay, Burundi, and Madagascar) in five friendly matches.
However, the Atlas Lions have suffered a double blow in the form of injuries on the eve of their debut.
They are the two big favorites in Group C
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A major setback for the Atlas Lions
Ez Abde, a forward for Real Betis who is dealing with a knee injury, and Nayef Aguerd, a defender for Olympique de Marseille who has been struggling with physical issues, have been removed from the roster and will miss the World Cup.
Two significant absences for a team built to defend and launch counterattacks.
“Missing such an important tournament is a real blow, and I won’t deny that it hurts.”
“But it is in difficult times that faith, patience, and gratitude are most valuable,” Abde Ezzalzouli, better known as Ez Abde, wrote on his social media accounts.
Instead, the coach called up Amine Sbai, a forward for Angers, and Marwane Saadane, a center back for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Fateh, on Thursday.
Will Morocco be able to repeat its feat from four years ago? That is the big question.
The answer will be revealed starting this Saturday in New Jersey (Filed under: Brazil vs. Morocco at the 2026 World Cup).
Probable lineups
Brazil: Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá; Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha.
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti.
Morocco: Yassine Bounou ‘Bono’; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui; Amrabat, Neil El Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi; Brahim Díaz, Ismael Saibari, and Soufiane Rahimi.
Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi.
Referee: Slavko Vincic (Slovenia).
Stadium: MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (United States).
Time: 6:00 p.m. local time (10:00 p.m. GMT) – (Filed under: Brazil vs. Morocco at the 2026 World Cup).
With information from EFE
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