Brazil will launch their latest attempt to capture a record-extending sixth World Cup crown when they face Morocco in their opening Group C match at New York New Jersey Stadium. No nation is more closely associated with the tournament than the South American giants, who remain the only team to have appeared in every edition since 1930 and still hold the record for the most titles with five.

Yet the Seleção arrive under growing pressure. Their most recent triumph came in 2002, and another unsuccessful campaign would extend their longest drought without a World Cup title. Their previous journey ended in the quarter-finals in Qatar, where Croatia eliminated them despite several promising performances.

Among those eager to make a greater impact this time is Raphinha. The Barcelona forward played a key role during qualification, producing five goals and two assists, more than any other Brazilian player. He also enjoyed an outstanding club season, registering 21 goals and seven assists in 33 appearances as Barcelona secured the La Liga championship.

Ancelotti takes charge as Brazil seek a strong start

Although Brazil recorded victories over Panama and Egypt in pre-tournament friendlies, their qualification campaign left room for improvement. Finishing fifth represented their lowest placing since the current South American qualifying format was introduced three decades ago.

Leading the team is Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most accomplished managers in world football. The Italian guided Brazil through the final stages of qualification and is now preparing for his first experience as a World Cup coach.

Ancelotti will be determined to preserve a remarkable sequence that has seen Brazil finish first in their opening-round group at every World Cup since 1982. With Scotland and Haiti also in Group C, collecting three points against Morocco would significantly strengthen their chances of extending that run.

Brazil will be without Neymar, who continues to recover from a calf problem. While the forward is progressing well, he is not expected to be available for the opening fixture. Right-back Wesley is also likely to miss the contest after suffering an injury against Egypt.

Last 5 Brazil matches stats

Morocco arrive with growing confidence

Morocco heads into the tournament carrying increasing expectations after several impressive years on the international stage. Their run to the semi-finals in Qatar elevated their status, while they also became the only African side to win all eight of their qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.

The Atlas Lions were additionally awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title following a controversial final involving Senegal. As a result, many observers have identified them as potential outsiders capable of making another deep run in the competition.

Several key figures are expected to lead their challenge. Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Ayoub El Kaabi are among the squad’s standout names, with Díaz and El Kaabi accounting for eight of Morocco’s nine goals during the 2025 AFCON campaign.

Midfielder Ismael Saibari is another player attracting attention. After contributing 19 goals and nine assists for PSV during the 2025-26 season, he has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich. Saibari also scored twice in Morocco’s 4-0 warm-up victory over Madagascar before his side later drew 1-1 with Norway in New York.

Last 5 Morocco matches stats

Team news and history

Morocco’s preparations have been affected by fitness concerns. Abdi Ezzalzouli was ruled out of the tournament after suffering an injury against Norway, while Nayef Aguerd also missed selection due to injury. Noussair Mazraoui remains doubtful after damaging his shoulder in the same match.

This encounter will mark only the second World Cup meeting between Brazil and Morocco. Their first came during the group stage in 1998, when Ronaldo and Rivaldo both scored their maiden World Cup goals. The nations last met in a friendly in Tunisia in March 2023, a match Morocco won 2-1 thanks to strikes from Sofiane Boufal and Abdelhamid Sabiri.

Historically, Brazil has enjoyed success against African opposition at the World Cup, winning seven of eight such matches. Their only defeat came against Cameroon in 2022, although that game featured a heavily rotated side after qualification for the knockout rounds had already been secured.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

Brazil enter this Group C opener as deserved favourites, largely due to their superior squad depth, attacking quality, and experience on the biggest stage. Carlo Ancelotti’s side may not have been at their best during qualification, but players such as Raphinha are arriving in strong form, and Brazil’s overall talent level remains among the highest in the tournament.

Morocco should not be underestimated, however. Their run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and perfect qualifying campaign for 2026 demonstrate that they are capable of competing with elite opposition. With Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Ayoub El Kaabi leading the way, the Atlas Lions have enough quality to trouble Brazil, particularly on the counterattack.

The match is likely to be competitive and tactically disciplined rather than a high-scoring affair. Morocco’s organized defensive structure could frustrate Brazil for long periods, but the South Americans are expected to create the clearer chances over 90 minutes.

Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Morocco

Expected outcome: A closely contested encounter in which Morocco remain competitive throughout, but Brazil’s greater attacking firepower and individual quality ultimately prove decisive, giving the Seleção an important opening victory in Group C.