Two of international football’s most exciting nations meet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in one of the standout fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening weekend.
The five-time world champions arrive in North America under the charge of legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti — Brazil’s first foreign head coach in a century — determined to reclaim football’s biggest prize after more than two decades of hurt. Brazil will view this Group C opener as an opportunity to make an early statement, though they head into it without Neymar, who is nursing a calf injury and will not feature from the start.
Morocco, meanwhile, have earned a reputation for upsetting the established order. The Atlas Lions stunned the football world with their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and famously defeated Brazil 2-1 in their most recent meeting in 2023. Now managed by Mohamed Ouahbi — who replaced the departed Walid Regragui in March 2026 after leading Morocco’s U20s to the FIFA U-20 World Cup title — the Atlas Lions arrive at this tournament as 2025 AFCON champions and unbeaten in 26 matches, making them one of the most formidable dark horses in the competition.
With Scotland and Haiti completing Group C, both nations know that a positive result in their own opener could provide a crucial platform for qualification to the knockout stages.
Match Details
Date: 13/06/2026
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
Stadium: MetLife Stadium
Kick-off Time: 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. BST / 3:30 a.m. IST (Next Day)
Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
Last Meeting: Morocco 2-1 Brazil (26/03/2023, International Friendly)
Team News
Brazil
Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil possess quality across the pitch and will seek to impose themselves from the opening whistle, though the absence of Neymar through a calf injury alters their attacking shape significantly. Alisson starts in goal behind a defence marshalled by captain Marquinhos and Gabriel. Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães provide the midfield foundation, with Raphinha operating in the number ten role and Vinícius Júnior a constant threat from the left. Matheus Cunha is expected to lead the line in Neymar’s absence.
Morocco
Mohamed Ouahbi’s Morocco arrive as reigning African champions, having won the 2025 AFCON on home soil — albeit in disputed circumstances after a chaotic final against Senegal. They are unbeaten in 26 games and carry genuine belief that they can repeat or exceed their 2022 exploits. Yassine Bounou starts in goal. Achraf Hakimi remains the team’s most dynamic figure from deep, while Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Neil El Aynaoui are expected to control the midfield. Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari offer invention in the final third. Winger Abde Ezzalzouli has been ruled out of the tournament through injury.
Form
Brazil (all competitions): L W D L W
Morocco (all competitions): W W W D W
Predicted Lineups
Brazil Possible XI: Alisson; Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Lucas Paquetá, Vinícius Júnior; Matheus Cunha
Morocco Possible XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Chadi Riad, Diop, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Brahim Díaz, Saibari, El Khannouss
Match Prediction
Our Score Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Morocco
Morocco have already demonstrated they can defeat Brazil and arrive in the best form of any team in the tournament. Their defensive organisation, physical intensity, and speed on the counter make them one of the most dangerous sides in the competition.
Nevertheless, Brazil’s superior depth, Ancelotti’s tactical intelligence, and the individual quality of Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Paquetá should ultimately prove decisive. Neymar’s absence is a significant blow, but Brazil retain enough firepower to break down even the most organised defence.
Expect a high-quality, tightly contested encounter at MetLife Stadium, with Brazil edging one of the toughest group-stage fixtures on paper.
How to Watch
United Kingdom: BBC One, BBC iPlayer
United States: FOX, Telemundo, Fubo, FOX Sports App
India: Zee5
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