Brazil take on Morocco in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C opener at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, 13 June 2026, with kick-off at 06:00 SAST. Carlo Ancelotti’s five-time world champions face a Morocco side carrying serious momentum after an outstanding recent run.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Group C opener |
| Date & kick-off | Saturday, 13 June 2026, 06:00 SAST |
| Venue | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA |
| Group | Group C |
The context: Brazil’s hunger, Morocco’s momentum
It is 24 years since Brazil last won the World Cup. For the most successful nation in tournament history, that is more than a statistic — it is the pressure point behind this campaign.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side arrive with recent encouragement after warm-up wins over Croatia, Panama and Egypt. Brazil scored 11 goals across those three matches and conceded four, showing signs of attacking rhythm before the tournament begins.
There are still questions, though. Brazil’s CONMEBOL qualifying campaign was not entirely convincing, with the Selecao finishing fifth after six defeats in 18 matches. For a nation with Brazil’s standards, that is enough to keep the pressure firmly on, even with the quality available throughout the squad.
Morocco, meanwhile, arrive as genuine contenders rather than romantic outsiders. Since the start of 2023, they have won 33 of 45 matches and lost only twice. They are ranked seventh in the world and remain one of the most consistent international teams of the last few years.
Their run to the semi-finals at Qatar 2022 changed how the football world views them. This is now a side with major tournament experience, defensive discipline, tactical identity and high-level players in key positions.
Achraf Hakimi remains one of the most dynamic fullbacks in world football, while Sofyan Amrabat gives Morocco control and aggression in midfield. Brahim Diaz adds creativity and technical quality in attack.
There are injury concerns, with Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli ruled out before the tournament, while Noussair Mazraoui is a doubt. Even so, Morocco’s squad depth gives them more resilience than most African sides have had at previous World Cups.
This Group C opener sets the tone for both teams. Brazil will want to make a statement early. Morocco will look to frustrate, absorb pressure and punish spaces on the break.
Team news
Brazil are without right-back Wesley, who suffered a muscle injury against Egypt and has been ruled out of the tournament. Ancelotti has tested alternatives in training, with Danilo and Roger Ibanez among the more likely options to cover the position.
Alisson is expected to start in goal, with Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back. Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes should provide the midfield base, while Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Junior offer creativity and threat further forward.
The main attacking selection question is at striker, where Ancelotti must choose between Matheus Cunha, Endrick and Igor Thiago.
Brazil expected XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha.
Morocco are without Aguerd and Ezzalzouli, while Mazraoui’s availability remains uncertain. Hakimi and Brahim Diaz are expected to be central to Morocco’s attacking approach, with Amrabat anchoring midfield.
El Khannouss, Ounahi and Saibari give Morocco technical quality between the lines, while Yassine Bounou provides experience and authority in goal.
Morocco expected XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss.
Key stats
- Brazil are five-time World Cup champions.
- Brazil are ranked fifth in the world.
- Brazil won their three pre-tournament warm-up matches against Croatia, Panama and Egypt.
- Brazil scored 11 goals across those three warm-up matches.
- Brazil’s recent form: W D L W W W.
- Morocco are ranked seventh in the world.
- Morocco have won 33 of 45 matches since January 2023.
- Morocco have lost only twice since January 2023.
- Morocco’s recent form: W D W W W D.
- Brazil are without Wesley through injury.
- Morocco are without Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli, while Noussair Mazraoui is doubtful.
- Morocco beat Brazil 2-1 in a friendly in March 2023.
- Brazil lead the overall head-to-head record 2-1.
- This is the first competitive meeting between Brazil and Morocco.
Head-to-head
Brazil and Morocco have met three times before. Brazil have won twice, while Morocco won the most recent meeting, a 2-1 friendly victory in March 2023.
This World Cup Group C fixture will be their first competitive meeting. That adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially given Morocco’s recent rise and Brazil’s need to start strongly under Ancelotti.
Our prediction
Brazil have the stronger squad and the greater attacking depth, but this is not a comfortable opening fixture. Morocco are organised, confident and experienced enough to make life difficult for any opponent.
The key battle may be whether Morocco can limit Brazil’s wide threat. Vinicius Junior and Raphinha can turn tight matches with individual quality, while Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes give Brazil control and invention in midfield.
Morocco will not be passive. Hakimi’s pace, Amrabat’s midfield presence and Diaz’s creativity give them a clear route into the game, especially if Brazil commit numbers forward.
The absence of Aguerd is significant for Morocco’s defensive structure, particularly against Brazil’s movement and speed in the final third. That could be where the game tilts.
Brazil should have enough quality to edge it, but Morocco are capable of making this a close and uncomfortable opener.
Prediction: Brazil to win a tight Group C contest at 1.66.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Brazil vs Morocco kick off in South Africa?
Brazil vs Morocco kicks off at 06:00 SAST on Saturday, 13 June 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
What is the Brazil vs Morocco head-to-head record?
Brazil lead the overall series 2-1. Morocco won the most recent meeting, a 2-1 friendly victory in March 2023. This World Cup Group C match will be their first competitive meeting.
Who is Brazil’s coach at World Cup 2026?
Brazil are coached by Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian manager who has won the UEFA Champions League five times with three different clubs.
Where is Brazil vs Morocco being played?
The match is being played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.
What group are Brazil and Morocco in?
Brazil and Morocco are in Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Who are the key players for Brazil vs Morocco?
Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Casemiro and Alisson are key players for Brazil. Morocco’s key players include Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Brahim Diaz and Yassine Bounou.
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