Brazil and Morocco kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns today in what promises to be a fascinating Group C encounter. Both nations arrive in North America with aspirations of making a significant impact on the tournament.
What's at Stake
This opening fixture holds considerable weight for both sides, as a victory would provide an early advantage in the race to top Group C. With both teams starting on zero points, securing three points here could be crucial for their progression hopes. You can follow the latest standings here. Brazil, five-time world champions, are aiming to end a 24-year drought since their last triumph in 2002, a feat they achieved on American soil in 1994 after a similar period without a title. Morocco, meanwhile, arrive with heightened expectations after their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago, becoming the first African nation to reach that stage. They also enter the tournament as reigning African champions and are currently ranked seventh in the world.
Recent Form
Brazil's journey to the World Cup has been a "rollercoaster ride", including their "worst qualifying campaign ever" which led to the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as head coach in May 2025. Despite a troubled qualifying period where they finished fifth in CONMEBOL, the Seleção have shown signs of finding their rhythm under Ancelotti, winning recent warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt. For more on the team, visit our Brazil team page.
Morocco's form has been consistently strong, having qualified for the World Cup with a perfect record in CAF qualifying. They continued this momentum by winning the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. Recent friendly results include an impressive 1-1 draw with Norway and a commanding 4-0 victory over Madagascar, alongside a 1-1 draw against Ecuador and a 2-1 win over Paraguay in late March. Find out more about the Atlas Lions on our Morocco team page.
Team News and Injuries
Brazil will be without talismanic forward Neymar Jr, who is recovering from a calf injury and will not be fit for the opening game, though his recovery is progressing well. He has not featured for his country since October 2023. Additionally, dynamic full-back Wesley has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury, with Éderson called up as his replacement. Carlo Ancelotti will likely rely on the strong central defensive partnership of Gabriel and Marquinhos.
Morocco also faces significant injury concerns. Key centre-back Nayef Aguerd has been ruled out of the tournament with a groin injury. Winger Abde Ezzalzouli is also set to miss the group stage after sustaining a knee injury against Norway. However, Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui, who picked up a shoulder injury in the same match, has returned to training and is expected to start. The Atlas Lions will also be playing under new management, with Mohamed Ouahbi taking the helm just three months before the tournament after Walid Regragui's departure.
Predicted Lineups and Score Prediction
Both managers are expected to field strong sides, albeit with some adjustments due to injuries.
Predicted Brazil XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Lucas Paquetá, Vinicius Jr; Matheus Cunha.
Predicted Morocco XI (4-2-3-1): Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui; Brahim Díaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.
This promises to be a tightly contested affair between two highly-ranked nations. While Brazil are often considered favourites, Morocco's disciplined approach and recent success suggest they will pose a significant challenge. The absence of Neymar for Brazil is a notable factor, potentially making their attack less potent. Morocco's defensive solidity and pace on the counter could trouble the Seleção. We anticipate a narrow victory for the South American giants.
Score Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Morocco
Kickoff XI is an independent publication and is not affiliated with FIFA.
