Brazil vs Morocco Lineup, Preview & Prediction, FIFA World Cup 2026

Match: Brazil vs Morocco

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

Venue: New York, New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, USA

Kickoff: 10:00 PM ET

Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group C

The opening Group C clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup doesn't get much bigger than this. Brazil, five-time world champions, take on Morocco, a team that shocked the entire football world four years ago by reaching the semi-finals in Qatar. This isn't just a group stage match. It's a statement game, and both sides know it.

Brazil: The wait of 24 Years

Carlo Ancelotti takes charge of the Brazil NT at a World Cup for the first time, and the pressure on his shoulders is immense. Brazil hasn't lifted the World Cup trophy since 2002, a 24-year drought that haunts every Brazilian football fan. The good news? Ancelotti has assembled one of the most talented squads the Selecao has brought to a tournament in years.

Vinícius Jr. arrives in New Jersey as the team's main attacking player. His pace, directness, and goal-scoring ability at Real Madrid have made him one of the best players in the world right now, and this World Cup is his stage to prove it on the highest level. Alongside him, Raphinha, in incredible form at Barcelona under Hansi Flick, adds creativity and unpredictability in the final third.

The big talking point in the squad is Neymar. At 34 and coming back from injury struggles, Brazil's all-time top scorer was a surprise inclusion. Whether Ancelotti trusts him from the start against Morocco or eases him into the tournament from the bench remains to be seen.

In midfield, Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes give Brazil serious defensive cover, while Lucas Paquetá provides the link between defence and attack. The backline is anchored by Marquinhos, one of the most experienced defenders in the squad.

Brazil's South American qualifying campaign had some bumpy moments, including a historic 4-1 home defeat to Argentina, but they ultimately secured their place comfortably. Ancelotti is known for getting the best out of star players, and if Brazil clicks, they could be unstoppable.

Morocco: Unfinished Business

Morocco arrives at this World Cup not as underdogs; they gave that up in Qatar 2022. Now ranked 8th in the world, they come as a team with a point to prove and genuine ambitions of going further than the semi-final they reached four years ago.

There is one significant change, though: new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has replaced the legendary Walid Regragui. Ouahbi, who led Morocco's U-20 side to the FIFA U-20 World Cup title in 2025, has brought a fresh approach but retained key figures from the 2022 squad.

Captain Achraf Hakimi remains Morocco's most dangerous player. The PSG right-back is world-class, contributing goals and assists from deep positions, and his overlapping runs cause problems for any defence. Sofyan Amrabat, the engine of Morocco's midfield, offers the defensive discipline and ball recovery that lets the Atlas Lions absorb pressure and hit on the break. Brahim Díaz brings the creative spark in the attacking third.

There are concerns, however. Former striker Youssef En-Nesyri has been left out of the squad entirely, and there are fitness doubts surrounding both Hakimi and defender Nayef Aguerd heading into this opener. Those absences and question marks could hurt Morocco in a match of this magnitude.

Defensively, Morocco remains incredibly well-organised. They frustrated Spain, Portugal, and France in 2022 with a deep defensive block and rapid transitions. Expect the same approach here.

Head-to-Head Record

Brazil and Morocco have met just three times in history:

1998 FIFA World Cup: Brazil 3 – 0 Morocco

2023 International Friendly: Morocco 2–1 Brazil (Morocco's first-ever win over Brazil)

The 2023 friendly showed that Morocco is more than capable of beating Brazil on their day. That result will give the Atlas Lions real confidence walking into MetLife Stadium tonight.

Predicted Lineups

Brazil (4-3-3):

Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá; Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Jr.

Morocco (4-5-1 / 4-4-2):

Yassine Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saïss, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Ounahi, Brahim Díaz; Rahimi; El Kaabi

Key Battles to Watch

Vinícius Jr. vs Moroccan Defence, Vini will likely operate on the left and look to take on defenders one-on-one. Morocco's disciplined backline will need to be smart and physical to contain him without giving away free kicks in dangerous areas.

Hakimi vs Brazil's Left Side, The PSG fullback loves to bomb forward and will look to exploit space behind Raphinha if Brazil commits men forward. He could be the most dangerous player on the pitch for Morocco.

Casemiro & Bruno Guimaraes vs Amrabat, The midfield battle will likely decide the game. Brazil's midfield has the quality, but Amrabat's ability to disrupt and win the ball could frustrate the Selecao and slow their attacking rhythm.

Our Prediction

Brazil is the clear favourite and rightly so. Their squad depth, attacking firepower, and the motivation to end a 24-year World Cup drought make them a formidable force. Ancelotti's experience in managing big games and big personalities should also count.

That said, Morocco will not simply roll over. Their defensive organisation is elite, and on the counter-attack, they carry a serious threat. If Hakimi is fit and Amrabat dominates midfield, this could be a tighter contest than the odds suggest.

We expect Brazil to edge it, but not comfortably.

Final Score Prediction: Brazil 2–1 Morocco

Brazil is to start their World Cup campaign with a win, but Morocco will make them work every single minute for it.

FAQs

What time is Brazil vs Morocco?

Kickoff is at 10:00 PM ET on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Where is Brazil vs Morocco being played?

The match takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.

Where can I watch Brazil vs Morocco?

The match is available on FOX and Telemundo in the USA.

What group are Brazil and Morocco in?

Both teams are in Group C, alongside Haiti and Scotland.

Who is the Brazil manager at the World Cup 2026?

Carlo Ancelotti, who previously managed Real Madrid, is in charge of Brazil.

Has Morocco ever beaten Brazil before?

Yes, once. Morocco beat Brazil 2–1 in a 2023 international friendly, their first-ever win against the Selecao.