Brazil and Morocco will meet in one of the standout fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage when they open their Group C campaigns at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, 14 June. Kick-off is scheduled for 00:00 CAT.
The Seleção head into the tournament with momentum after back-to-back friendly victories over Panama and Egypt. Brazil beat Panama 6-2 on 31 May before edging Egypt 2-1 in Cleveland on 7 June, with Bruno Guimaraes and Endrick on target.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side suffered an injury concern in the win over Egypt, as fullback Wesley Franca was forced off after just 15 minutes.
Brazil remain the most successful nation in World Cup history, with five titles and appearances at every tournament since 1930.
Yet their recent record has fallen short of expectation. The South American giants have not lifted the trophy since 2002 and have exited four of the last five World Cups at the quarter-final stage.
With Ancelotti now leading a talented squad, Brazil will be desperate to make a strong statement from the start.
Morocco arrive with confidence after a strong warm-up programme.
The Atlas Lions thrashed Burundi 5-0 and Madagascar 4-0 before drawing 1-1 with Norway in New Jersey last weekend. Morocco led for most of the match before Martin Odegaard equalised for Norway with 15 minutes remaining.
The draw did bring injury concerns, with Abde Ezzalzouli and Noussair Mazraoui both forced off. Ezzalzouli is doubtful for the Brazil clash, while Mazraoui is expected to be fit to start.
Morocco will be making their seventh World Cup appearance and will look to build on their remarkable 2022 campaign, when they became the first African team to reach the semi-finals. Their run in Qatar included famous victories over Belgium, Spain and Portugal before defeat to France in the last four.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti expects a demanding opening test against one of Africa’s strongest sides.
“It is difficult to score against the Moroccan national team; it requires a distinctive attacking performance,” Ancelotti said.
The Italian also noted that Morocco offer more individual quality than some of Brazil’s other recent opponents.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi believes his players will embrace the challenge of facing the five-time world champions.
“Against Brazil, we will show a better side of ourselves, with a lot of commitment and determination to make the Moroccan fans proud, InshaAllah,” Ouahbi said.
Brazil and Morocco have met three times previously, with Brazil winning twice and Morocco claiming one victory.
Their most recent meeting came in March 2023, when Morocco beat Brazil 2-1 in Tangiers thanks to goals from Sofiane Boufal and Abdelhamid Sabiri.
Brazil’s wins came in a 2-0 friendly victory in October 1997 and a 3-0 triumph at the 1998 World Cup in France, where Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Bebeto scored for the Seleção.
With Brazil chasing a long-awaited sixth world title and Morocco determined to prove their 2022 run was no one-off, this Group C opener promises to be a compelling early test for both nations.
