Brazil vs Morocco.

Match preview

Brazil's opening fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is the undisputed marquee match of the tournament's first week - a clash between the five-time world champions chasing their first title since 2002, and the Atlas Lions who announced themselves to the world with a stunning run to the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago. Carlo Ancelotti, the first non-Brazilian manager ever to lead A Seleção, has assembled a squad brimming with elite talent: Vinicius Junior enters the tournament as one of the most feared attackers on the planet, Raphinha has been among Barcelona's standout performers for two consecutive seasons, and the shock inclusion of a returning Neymar - back for the first time in over two years - gives Brazil an unprecedented depth of attacking options off the bench. Ancelotti's preferred 4-3-3 sees Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes screen the back four and feed possession to the wide forwards, while Marquinhos captains a defence that should be well equipped to handle Morocco's fast transitions. However, Brazil's inconsistencies in qualifying - including humbling losses to Argentina and Bolivia - serve as a reminder that this golden generation has repeatedly fallen short of expectations on the biggest stage, and Morocco will provide the sternest possible examination of Ancelotti's side in this opening group game. Walid Regragui's Morocco are tactically disciplined, defensively organised, and lethal on the counter-attack, with a squad hardened by the experience of that remarkable 2022 campaign that captured hearts around the world. Vinicius will be the game's most dangerous player, but Morocco have shown they know exactly how to neutralise even the world's elite attackers - this is a genuine contest, and a result here could define Brazil's entire tournament trajectory. Bet Right