Morocco faces Brazil in their World Cup 2026 opening match, with Group C’s heavyweight clash pitting Achraf Hakimi’s African underdogs against Vinicius and Brazil’s five-time champions. Follow our blog as the tournament’s first truly heavyweight encounter unfolds.
Official lineups of Brazil – Morocco
Brazil : Alisson – Ibañez, Marquinhos (c), Gabriel, Douglas Santos – Guimarães, Casemiro, Paqueta – Raphinha, Igor Thiago, Vinicius.
Morocco : Bounou – Hakimi (c), Diop, Riad, Mazraoui – Bouaddi, El Aynaoui – Brahim Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss – Saibari.
Strong start for Morocco
Achraf Hakimi demonstrates his authority as Morocco’s captain, creating two promising opportunities early on. The Lions of the Atlas are making a statement
Early chance for Morocco
An early free kick in a promising position for the Lions of the Atlas.
They look sharp from the start!
Let’s go!
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic blows his whistle: Brazil-Morocco is underway!
PSG star Hakimi warming up
Hymne Chérifien
Morocco’s national anthem rings out across the New Jersey stadium, with a sea of red and green supporters singing in unison. The atmosphere intensifies as kickoff approaches.
Hino Nacional Brasileiro, plays at MetLife
Brazil’s national anthem, the Hino Nacional Brasileiro, plays at MetLife stadium as fans prepare for kickoff.
Endrick on the bench
Carlo Ancelotti has made his choice: Igor Thiago. The Brentford player (24 years old, 4 caps, 2 goals) has been preferred over Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) and former Lyon winger Endrick as the main striker, where he will be supported by Vinicius, Raphinha and Lucas Paqueta.
Remember that Neymar is ruled out for at least the entire group stage!
Mohamed Ouahbi adapts to injuries
With Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli sidelined, Morocco’s coach has had to adjust.
Making his return to official competition with Morocco after his missed panenka in the Africa Cup of Nations final, Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid) starts on the right wing, ahead of captain Achraf Hakimi.
In midfield, young Lille player Ayyoub Bouaddi (18 years old) and his teammate Neil el-Aynaoui will experience their World Cup debut.
Are you ready?
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Group C’s heavyweight clash between Brazil and Morocco
The World Cup 2026‘s first heavyweight clash will take place at MetLife stadium, the future venue of the final. It will pit Morocco, Africa’s finalists, against Brazil, five-time world champions.
This is the first major test for each coach in their World Cup debut. Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti can rely on stars like FC Barcelona‘s Raphinha, runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or, and Vinicius Junior, but not yet on Neymar who will miss the entire group stage.
On the Moroccan side, Mohamed Ouahbi must manage without OM’s central defender Nayef Aguerd and Betis Seville’s winger Abde Ezzalzouli.
