If Brazil are to live up to the hype as one of the favourites for the 2026 World Cup, a strong start against Morocco in their opening Group C fixture will be essential.
Both sides will be confident of reaching the knockout stages. Brazil are chasing a record-extending sixth World Cup title, while Morocco will be aiming to continue their remarkable rise on the international stage.
Morocco actually went further than Brazil at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Atlas Lions made history by reaching the semi-finals before losing to France. Brazil, meanwhile, were eliminated in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia.
Since then, Brazil have rebuilt under new leadership and remain one of the most talented squads in world football. However, Morocco have continued to prove they can compete with the best teams in the world and will not be intimidated by the occasion.
In our Group C preview, we predicted both nations to qualify from the group stage. As a result, this opening match could have a major impact on the final standings.
How to watch Brazil vs Morocco
Brazil vs Morocco kicks off at 23:00 BST on Saturday, June 13 at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on BBC One, with streaming available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In the United States, the game will be shown on FOX or FS1. Spanish-language coverage will be available on Telemundo or Universo, with streaming via Peacock.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS. Selected matches will also be shown on CTV, with streaming available through TSN, RDS and Crave.
Brazil team news
Brazil are expected to rely on their impressive attacking depth. Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Endrick are likely to provide the main threat in the final third, while Bruno Guimaraes controls the tempo from midfield.
Vinicius remains Brazil’s most dangerous player in one-on-one situations. Endrick offers creativity and intelligent movement across the frontline, while Thiago provides a direct goal threat.
Neymar is a doubt for Brazil’s opening game against Morocco due to a calf injury. Therefore, Carlo Ancelotti may need to rely on his squad depth for this match.
The biggest question mark for Brazil comes in defence. Although they possess plenty of quality at the back, they can be vulnerable when opponents transition quickly and attack the space left by their advancing full-backs.
Brazil expected XI:
Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Guilherme Arana; Bruno Guimarães, João Gomes, Lucas Paquetá; Endrick, Vinícius Júnior, Igor Thiago
Morocco team news
Morocco are likely to build around their experienced core. Achraf Hakimi provides energy and attacking support from defence, while Sofyan Amrabat offers protection and stability in midfield.
Hakim Ziyech remains Morocco’s key creative influence when available. Meanwhile, Youssef En-Nesyri gives the team a reliable focal point in attack and a significant aerial threat inside the penalty area.
Morocco’s success is built on defensive organisation and discipline. They are comfortable defending deep, staying compact between the lines and looking to punish opponents on the counter-attack.
Morocco expected XI:
Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saiss, Noussair Mazraoui; Sofyan Amrabat; Hakim Ziyech, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Abde Ezzalzouli; Youssef En-Nesyri
Brazil vs Morocco stats
- Brazil and Morocco have met three times in senior international football, with Brazil winning twice and Morocco winning once.
- Morocco’s only victory over Brazil came in a 2-1 international friendly win in Tangier in 2023.
- The teams last met in March 2023, when Morocco defeated Brazil 2-1.
- Brazil and Morocco have previously faced each other once at the FIFA World Cup, with Brazil recording a 3-0 victory in the group stage in 1998.
- Brazil are chasing a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title in 2026.
- Morocco arrive at the tournament looking to build on their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, the best finish ever achieved by an African nation.
- Brazil have progressed from the World Cup group stage in every tournament they have entered since 1966.
- Morocco qualified for the 2026 World Cup with one of the strongest defensive records in African qualifying.
Brazil vs Morocco prediction
Ancelotti’s men will head into this World Cup clash knowing they are expected to top the group and make a strong start to their campaign. With one of the most talented squads in the tournament, anything less than three points would be viewed as a disappointment.
That said, Morocco have already shown on the world stage that they should never be underestimated. Their run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals demonstrated their ability to compete with elite opposition. They also remain one of the toughest teams to break down defensively.
Brazil should enjoy more possession and control for large periods of the game. The pace and creativity of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo can stretch any defence, while Endrick’s movement provides another dangerous attacking option.
Morocco are unlikely to change their approach. They will stay compact, defend with discipline and look to punish Brazil on the counter-attack. With players such as Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri, they have enough quality to create opportunities whenever they regain possession.
One of the key battles here is whether Morocco can limit the space available to Brazil’s attacking players. If they remain organised and frustrate Brazil early, pressure could begin to build on the favourites.
However, Brazil’s attacking depth is difficult to ignore. Over the course of 90 minutes, they should create enough chances to eventually break down the Moroccan defence. While Morocco are capable of making this a close contest, Brazil appear better equipped across the pitch.
Expect a competitive match, but one that Brazil eventually edges. A 2-1 victory for Brazil looks like a reasonable prediction, although Morocco certainly have the quality to take something from the game if they perform at their best.
