Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil is set to begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey against Morocco on Saturday at the New Jersey Stadium.
Brazil vs Morocco – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 13th June.
- Kick-off: 11pn BST
- Venue: New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford.
Brazil team news
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti faces major selection issues before the big match. Star forward Neymar Jr. is officially ruled out of the opening game due to a right calf injury.
The team suffered another late blow when defender Wesley picked up a muscle injury during training.
He had to leave the camp, and midfielder Éderson replaced him in the squad. These losses add to a long list of missing players.
Éder Militão, Rodrygo, and Estêvão were all ruled out with serious injuries long before the tournament started.
Despite these setbacks, the South American giants still have a very scary lineup. They boast incredible attacking depth with world-class players like Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha ready to lead the front line.
Morocco team news
Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi has seen his tournament plans disrupted by a series of painful late injuries.
Forward Abde Ezzalzouli hurt his knee during a friendly match against Norway and cannot play.
Defender Nayef Aguerd is also out of the tournament after failing to recover from a groin injury. The team called up Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbaï to replace the injured duo.
To make matters worse, defender Noussair Mazraoui remains a major doubt after hurting his shoulder in that same friendly game.
On a positive note, star captain Achraf Hakimi is fit to start after overcoming a thigh issue. Morocco will rely heavily on his leadership alongside fit stars like Brahim Díaz and Sofyan Amrabat to challenge the Brazilians.
Form
Brazil
Brazil enters the tournament showing very strong and stable form. In their last four international friendly matches, the Seleção secured three impressive victories and suffered just one narrow defeat. They bounced back from a close 2-1 loss against France by defeating Croatia 3-1. They then blew past Panama with a dominant 6-2 victory and recently edged out Egypt 2-1. Their attack looks incredibly dangerous ahead of the opening match.
Morocco
Morocco arrives in excellent form after lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy earlier this year, capping it off with a win over Senegal. The Atlas Lions are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions. Following their continental triumph, they beat Paraguay 2-1, crushed Burundi 5-0, defeated Madagascar 4-0, and fought hard for a 1-1 draw against Norway.
Predicted lineups
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha
Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss
How to watch Brazil vs Morocco?
You can watch the Brazil vs. Morocco match live on BBC One in the UK.
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