The biggest occurrence on 2026 FIFA World Cup so far takes center stage on Saturday as the five-time world champions Brazil fight with African heavyweights Morocco in the long-awaited Group C match.
Although Brazil traditionally enters every World Cup as one of the leading candidates, this time the expectations are lower.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side arrived in North America after an inconsistent qualifying campaign and are considered by many to be one of Brazil’s least loved teams in recent memory.
However, the Selecao still have a quality squad. Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes and Matheus Cunha are expected to feature prominently, while Neymar has returned to the national team after a two-and-a-half-year absence.
Morocco, meanwhile, continues to build on its historic World Cup success after becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals in Qatar 2022.
Led by stars like Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, the Atlas Lions will believe they have the quality to trouble any opponent.
Team news
Brazil are expected to field a strong team, with goalkeeper Alisson starting behind a defense led by Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Vinicius Junior and Raphinha are likely to provide attacking support for Matheus Cunha.
Most of the talk is about Neymar. The veteran striker has returned to the team after a long absence and could feature, although it remains unclear whether he will start or be introduced from the bench.
Morocco are expected to rely on captain Hakimi, Diaz, Sofyan Amrabat and Youssef En-Nesyri as they try to pull off a turnaround against the South Americans.
Brazil is looking for a sixth world title
Brazil is chasing a record sixth FIFA World Cup title and its first since 2002. The South Americans have failed to advance beyond the quarterfinals in four of the last five editions of the tournament.
“It’s a good thing that there are some doubts about the team, because that has been the case on other occasions in the past,” goalkeeper Alisson said.
Morocco arrive with ambitions to extend their rise on the global stage despite managerial changes and recent controversies surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations.
Match prediction
According to Opta Analyst, Brazil has a 57.7 percent chance of winning, while Morocco’s chances are 18.8 percent.
The probability of a draw is 23.5 percent.
Brazil are also favorites to finish top of Group C, with a 65.85 percent chance compared to Morocco who have 23.14 percent.
How to watch
Nigeria:
DStv channel 202 (SuperSport)
Brazil:
SBT, GETV, Globoplay, sportv, NSPORTS, Caze TV and TV Globo
Morocco:
beIN SPORTS Max 2 and beIN SPORTS Max 4
Kick-off is scheduled for 23:00 WAT on Saturday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
