Brazil vs Morocco, FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Seleção Begin Title Hunt Against Giant-Killers

Last Updated:June 13, 2026, 15:00 IST

Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil begin their quest for a sixth World Cup title against a dangerous Morocco side that stunned the world in 2022 and still dreams of another fairytale run.

Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup journey with Brazil begins with a fascinating Group C showdown against Morocco, as the five-time champions launch their bid for a long-awaited sixth world title.

For Brazil, this tournament is about restoring lost glory. For Morocco, it’s about proving their remarkable run to the semi-finals in Qatar was no one-off miracle.

The stakes could hardly be higher.

Brazil Looking To End A 24-Year Wait

Brazil remain football’s most decorated World Cup nation, but the Seleção have not lifted the trophy since 2002. A series of disappointing exits in recent tournaments has left many questioning whether the traditional powerhouse still belongs among football’s elite.

Enter Ancelotti.

The veteran Italian has been tasked with rebuilding Brazil into genuine contenders once again. While expectations remain sky-high, his first World Cup test comes against one of the tournament’s trickiest opponents.

History favours Brazil. The two nations previously met at the 1998 World Cup, when goals from Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Bebeto secured a comfortable 3-0 victory for the reigning champions in Nantes.

This Morocco side, however, is built very differently.

Morocco Out To Prove 2022 Was No Fluke

Morocco captured global attention in Qatar by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

That historic campaign transformed perceptions of the Atlas Lions, who now arrive at the 2026 tournament as genuine contenders rather than underdogs.

Disciplined defensively, dangerous on the counter and packed with European-based talent, Morocco are widely viewed as one of the dark horses capable of causing problems for the traditional heavyweights.

A positive result against Brazil would immediately reinforce that reputation.

Team News

Brazil

Brazil will be without Neymar for the opening match after the forward suffered a calf injury.

Although ruled out of the Morocco clash, the 34-year-old remains with the squad and is expected to feature later in the tournament.

His inclusion sparked debate in Brazil following an injury-hit spell and limited game time since returning to Santos. Chelsea striker João Pedro was notably omitted despite scoring 20 goals across all competitions this season.

Defender Wesley França also misses out through injury.

Morocco

Morocco have injury concerns of their own.

Centre-back Nayef Aguerd has not recovered in time for the opener, while Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli is also unavailable after contributing an assist in Morocco’s final warm-up match against Norway.

Sunderland attacker Chemsidine Talbi remains a doubt.

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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