World Cup 2026 Brazil: Ancelotti’s Side Open Against Morocco

BRAZIL · WORLD CUP

Brazil begin their hunt for a sixth star against one of the tournament’s most dangerous outsiders — and they do so without Neymar, short at right-back and still finding their feet under Carlo Ancelotti.

World Cup 2026 Brazil begin against a familiar threat

Brazil open their Group C campaign against Morocco at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday. It is one of the most attractive ties of the entire group stage.

The five-time champions are chasing a first World Cup since 2002, the elusive sixth title known in Brazil as the hexa. Few teams carry heavier expectation into a tournament.

Standing in the way are a Morocco side that stunned the world in 2022. The Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals that year, knocking out both Spain and Portugal.

Ancelotti’s selection puzzle

Carlo Ancelotti became Brazil’s first foreign coach last year, and his first World Cup with them begins under a cloud of injuries. Neymar is sidelined by a calf problem and is not expected to feature.

Right-back Wesley has been ruled out of the tournament after picking up a muscle injury in a warm-up. The late call-up Ederson has reportedly been tried at right-back, with Danilo another option.

The biggest call is up front, where Ancelotti must choose between Matheus Cunha, Endrick and Igor Thiago. Whoever starts will be asked to finish the chances Brazil’s wingers create.

Ancelotti’s first months brought a tighter defence but also a few bumps, including friendly defeats that raised eyebrows at home. The pressure to deliver on the biggest stage is immediate.

Where Brazil are strong, and where they are not

The attack remains frightening, led by Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha with Lucas Paquetá pulling strings behind them. In midfield, Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães give the side control.

At the back, Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos form one of the tournament’s best central pairings. The doubts lie at full-back, where Brazil look short of their usual depth.

That is exactly where Morocco can hurt them. Captain Achraf Hakimi loves to surge forward, and Brazil’s left side will have to balance Vinícius’s attacking with real defensive care.

Morocco arrive with their own injuries

Morocco are not at full strength either. Centre-back Nayef Aguerd and winger Abde Ezzalzouli have both been ruled out, weakening a side built on organisation and pace.

Even so, Mohamed Ouahbi’s team carry genuine quality in Hakimi, Brahim Díaz and Bilal El Khannouss. They will sit deep, spring quickly and trust their goalkeeper, Bounou, to keep them in the game.

What is at stake in Group C

Group C also contains Haiti and Scotland, but this is the fixture that will likely decide top spot. Finishing first matters, since the runner-up could meet France or Spain early in the knockouts.

Brazil are favourites, yet a difficult qualifying campaign and some shaky friendlies have tempered the mood. A convincing start would go a long way toward easing the nerves back home.

A win would also quiet the doubters who questioned the bold choice of a foreign coach. Brazil know that, in their football culture, only the trophy truly satisfies.

Why it matters

No nation feels a World Cup quite like Brazil, where a 24-year wait for the trophy weighs on every campaign. Ancelotti was hired to end it, and the journey starts here.

For Rio Times readers, the Seleção are the region’s headline act, watched far beyond Brazil’s borders. How they handle a tricky opener will set the tone for the weeks ahead.

The bigger picture for Brazil

Brazil arrive chasing a first World Cup title since 2002, and the opener is the first real test of a new era under their coach. Early rhythm matters for a squad rebuilding its identity.

Momentum in a group stage is hard to win back once lost. A composed start would let the favourites build rather than scramble.

Morocco are a genuine test

Morocco’s run to the semi-finals last time out reset expectations for African football. They defend deep, break fast and fear no one.

For Brazil, the message is simple: respect the opponent or risk an early scare. Openers reward focus over flair.

Group openers rarely decide a tournament, but they set the emotional tone. For a side of Brazil’s stature, the expectation is always to start as they mean to go on.

A measured, professional display would calm the noise around the squad. That, more than spectacle, is what an opener is for.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where do Brazil play Morocco?

The Group C opener is on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Kick-off times are confirmed on FIFA’s official schedule.

Is Neymar playing for Brazil?

Neymar is not expected to feature in the opener as he recovers from a calf injury. Right-back Wesley has been ruled out of the tournament entirely.

Who is Brazil’s coach at the World Cup?

Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian, is Brazil’s first foreign coach at a World Cup. He took charge in 2025 with the task of ending a long title drought.

Why are Morocco dangerous opponents?

Morocco reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, beating Spain and Portugal. They defend deeply and counter quickly through stars like Achraf Hakimi.

Who else is in Brazil’s group?

Group C is made up of Brazil, Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Brazil face Haiti and Scotland later in the group stage.

This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error