Brazil will launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Morocco in a highly anticipated Group C clash at New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday, marking Carlo Ancelotti’s first World Cup match as Brazil head coach.
Key Talking Points
* Opta’s supercomputer gives Brazil a **58.6% chance** of opening their campaign with a victory.
* This is the **only group-stage match featuring two FIFA top-10 ranked teams**, with Brazil ranked sixth and Morocco eighth.
* Ancelotti could become only the **third coach to win both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League/European Cup**, following Marcello Lippi and Vicente del Bosque.
## Brazil Chasing a Sixth World Cup Crown
Brazil remain the most successful nation in World Cup history, having won the tournament five times and participated in every edition since 1930. However, the Seleção have not lifted the trophy since 2002, their longest title drought in more than two decades.
Their 2022 campaign ended in a heartbreaking quarter-final defeat to Croatia. Now, under the guidance of Ancelotti, Brazil hope to return to the summit of world football.
Barcelona star **Raphinha** is expected to play a crucial role. He was directly involved in seven goals during World Cup qualifying, scoring five times and providing two assists. The winger also enjoyed a standout 2025-26 season with Barcelona, registering 21 goals and seven assists in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Although Brazil secured convincing warm-up victories over Panama (6-2) and Egypt (2-1), their qualification campaign was far from dominant, finishing fifth in the South American standings — their lowest position since the current format was introduced.
## Morocco Looking to Continue Their Rise
Morocco arrive at the tournament full of confidence after becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022. The Atlas Lions also won all eight of their qualification matches for the 2026 tournament.
Head coach Walid Regragui’s side boasts several key players, including **Achraf Hakimi**, **Brahim Díaz**, and prolific striker **Ayoub El Kaabi**. Díaz and El Kaabi combined for eight goals during Morocco’s successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Midfielder **Ismael Saibari** is another player to watch after contributing 19 goals and nine assists for PSV Eindhoven during the 2025-26 season. He scored twice in Morocco’s 4-0 friendly win over Madagascar before their 1-1 draw with Norway.
## Team News
Brazil are unlikely to have **Neymar** available despite positive progress in his recovery from a calf injury. Right-back **Wesley** is also expected to miss the match through injury.
Morocco have suffered injury setbacks of their own. **Abde Ezzalzouli** has been ruled out of the World Cup, while defender **Nayef Aguerd** also misses the tournament. Full-back **Noussair Mazraoui** remains doubtful after injuring his shoulder against Norway.
## Head-to-Head
This will be only the second World Cup meeting between the two nations. Their previous encounter came in the 1998 group stage when Brazil won 3-0, with Ronaldo and Rivaldo both scoring their first World Cup goals.
Morocco, however, won the most recent meeting between the sides, a 2-1 friendly victory in March 2023.
Brazil have won seven of their eight World Cup matches against African opponents. Their only defeat came against Cameroon in the 2022 group stage.
## Prediction
Brazil enter the match as favourites, but Morocco’s recent rise means the contest is expected to be closely fought.
According to Opta’s 25,000-match simulation model:
* **Brazil win:** 57.7%
* **Draw:** 23.5%
* **Morocco win:** 18.8%
Predicted Score:
**Brazil 2-1 Morocco**
With Ancelotti’s experience and Brazil’s attacking quality led by Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha, the Seleção are tipped to edge a competitive encounter and begin their World Cup journey with three points.
