Brazil Face Morocco in High-Stakes 2026 World Cup Group C Opener

Posted : 12 June 2026

Brazil and Morocco are set to open their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C campaigns with a highly anticipated clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, 14 June, with kick-off scheduled for 12am CAT.

Brazil arrive at the tournament in solid form after consecutive friendly victories over Panama (6-2) and Egypt (2-1). In their most recent outing, goals from Bruno Guimarães and Endrick secured the win, although the team suffered a setback when defender Wesley França was forced off early with an injury concern.

The South American giants remain the most successful nation in World Cup history, having lifted the trophy five times and featured in every edition since 1930. However, their recent record has fallen short of expectations, with no title since 2002 and four quarter-final exits in the last five tournaments.

Morocco also head into the competition with confidence following a strong run of warm-up results, including emphatic wins over Burundi (5-0) and Madagascar (4-0), as well as a 1-1 draw against Norway in New Jersey. In that match, the Atlas Lions led for long periods before conceding a late equaliser.

Their preparations were not without concern, however, as injuries to Abde Ezzalzouli and Noussair Mazraoui disrupted their squad plans. While Ezzalzouli remains doubtful, Mazraoui is expected to be available for selection.

Morocco will be making their seventh World Cup appearance and are aiming to build on their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar 2022, where they became the first African nation to reach the last four after eliminating several top European sides.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the difficulty of facing Morocco, praising their defensive strength and physical intensity, while stressing the need for a strong attacking performance from his side.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed confidence that his team will rise to the occasion, urging his players to show determination and pride as they take on one of the tournament favourites.

Historically, Brazil and Morocco have met three times, with the most recent encounter ending in a 2-1 victory for Morocco in a friendly in March 2023. Brazil have won two of the previous meetings, including a 3-0 victory in the 1998 World Cup group stage featuring goals from Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Bebeto.

Brazil Face Morocco in High-Stakes 2026 World Cup Group C Opener

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