Five-time world champions Brazil begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday, with both sides carrying significant expectations into one of the most anticipated group-stage fixtures of the tournament.
For Brazil, the mission is clear: erase the memories of their quarter-final exit in Qatar and launch a serious push for a sixth World Cup crown. Morocco, meanwhile, arrive looking to prove their historic semi-final run in 2022 was no fluke.
Brazil Predicted Lineup vs Morocco
Brazil have been dealt an early setback with Neymar unavailable after suffering a calf injury shortly after being included in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.
The 34-year-old remains with the team and is expected to return later in the tournament, but
he will not feature in the opener.
Lucas Paquetá is expected to operate in the No. 10 role behind striker Matheus Cunha, while Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior provide the attacking threat from wide areas.
At the back, Gabriel is set for his first appearance since his painful penalty miss in the UEFA Champions League final. He is expected to partner Marquinhos in central defence.
Brazil are also without injured full-back Wesley, prompting Ancelotti to bring additional midfield cover into the squad.
Predicted Brazil XI (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Paquetá, Vinícius Jr; Matheus Cunha.
Morocco Predicted Lineup vs Brazil
Morocco received a boost with Noussair Mazraoui returning to training after a shoulder injury suffered during the draw against Norway.
The Manchester United defender is expected to start at left-back, with Achraf Hakimi occupying his usual role on the right.
However, winger Abde Ezzalzouli remains a major doubt after picking up an injury in the same match. His absence could force Morocco into a more fluid attacking setup behind Ismael Saibari.
Defensively, Nayef Aguerd is unavailable, meaning Fulham defender Issa Diop could partner Crystal Palace’s Chadi Riad in central defence.
Predicted Morocco XI (4-2-3-1):
Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.
Score Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Morocco
This promises to be one of the standout matches of the opening round.
Brazil appear to be finding rhythm under Ancelotti after positive warm-up performances, while Morocco continue to show the organisation and resilience that made them one of the stories of Qatar 2022.
Expect a tight contest, but Brazil’s superior firepower may just prove decisive in a match that could have a major impact on who tops Group C.
