Brazil vs Morocco: Form guide, stars to watch and possible lineups
Five-time world champions Brazil are set to open their Group C campaign of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they face Morocco on Sunday, June 13, 2026, at 1:00 am.
The highly anticipated clash at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has generated the highest ticket demand of the 48-team tournament so far, marking it as the most sought-after fixture on the third day since the tourney opened on June 11. Built at a cost of Ksh207.17 billion.
The iconic 82,500-capacity venue is one of the largest stadiums in the United States and is also slated to host the World Cup Final. Setting a vibrant mood for the billed encounter, thousands of Brazilian and Moroccan supporters have already swarmed Times Square and the surrounding New Jersey, painting the streets a sea of yellow, green, and red.
On-pitch fortunes point to a potentially tight and fiery tactical battle. The Atlas Lions enter the tournament building in another exciting era under new head coach Mohamed Wahbi, who took the reins in March after history-maker Walid Regragui stepped down.
Boasting a star-studded spine featuring Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, Sofyan Amrabat, Bilal El Khannouss, and veteran goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Morocco remains one of the most dangerous threats on the global stage.
Wahbi’s side holds psychological confidence, having famously stunned Brazil 2-1 in an international friendly on March 25, 2023. Goals from Sofiane Boufal and Abdelhamid Sabiri sealed that historic victory for the North Africans, a feat this revamped squad hopes to replicate on American soil.
The team also comes off a fourth-place finish in Qatar in 2022 and is hoping to extend the fine run in the new edition.
For the Seleção, a prominent Barcelona star is ready to take centre stage. Winger Raphinha is among the expected starters, looking to ignite Brazil’s 2026 campaign from an unfamilar central position. His individual battle against a resolute Moroccan defense, anchored by Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and newly integrated defender Issa Diop, promises to be a focal point of the match.
However, Brazil’s tactical setup under the technical bench will have to make do without its talismanic figure. Neymar Jr. remains sidelined with a long-term injury, as this high-stakes opening fixture has come too soon for the veteran forward to complete his recovery.
You might also like
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior is almost guaranteed to start on the opposite flank.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, Bournemouth’s Rayan, Endrick and Luiz Henrique are all options for the spot, although Lucas Paqueta may get the nod behind the striker, thus leaving Raphinha in his natural role.
The Moroccans are expected to stick to the team that featured in the friendly draw that saw them earn a point against European rivals in the shape of Norway. The clash will hopefully see the Manchester United ace return to add experience in the defensive shape.
Up front, the trickery of Brahim Diaz and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli will be key for the North African giants.
Probable Staring X1s
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha
Morocco: Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui, Amrabat, Benjamin Bouchouari/Amir Richardson, Bilal El Khannouss, Azzedine Ounahi, Abde Ezzalzouli, Brahim Diaz
