Brazil Begins Sixth World Cup Title Quest Against Morocco

The highly anticipated match of the 2026 World Cup will be played on Sunday morning at 3:45 AM (Nepali time). In this Group 'C' match, Brazil will begin their journey for a record sixth World Cup title by playing against a strong opponent, Morocco.

Despite being the most successful team in World Cup history, many do not consider Brazil as the main favorite for the title this time. However, as the name suggests, Brazil is always a contender for the title. This first match will reveal how much of a favorite they truly are.

Although Carlo Ancelotti's team is considered one of the least expected Brazilian World Cup teams, talented players like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and the experienced Neymar Junior have strengthened the team.

While other teams are starting their journey against relatively weaker opponents, Brazil is about to have a tough start by playing against African champions Morocco. This is considered the most challenging match of the group stage.

Morocco, with players like Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, is full of fighting spirit and confidence. As history shows, they are capable of challenging the world's best teams.

Brazil's Search for a Sixth World Title

Brazil's World Cup preparation has not been smooth due to a new coach, injured players, and a disorganized qualification campaign. Ancelotti faces the challenge of making Brazil champions again after 24 years. Brazil has been eliminated from the quarterfinals in four of the last five World Cups.

Goalkeeper Alisson said, 'It's okay to have some doubts about the team. There are examples in the past where Brazilian teams in similar situations eventually won the title.'

Brazil has star players like Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha. Neymar has returned to the team after more than two years, but it is still uncertain how physically fit he is.

Can Morocco Win?

In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco made history by reaching the semi-finals after defeating Spain and Portugal. Morocco, which became the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals at that time, is expected to be the most successful team in the Middle East and North African region this time as well.

Morocco, with players nurtured in football academies in Spain and France, has enough potential to put Brazil under pressure. However, there is some instability within the team. Although they lost to Senegal in the final of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, the title was controversially awarded to Morocco afterward.

After head coach Walid Regragui resigned three months before the World Cup, Mohammed Ouahbi, born in Belgium, has been managing the team.

Predicted Match Outcome

According to statistical analysis firm Opta Analyst, Brazil has a 57.7% chance of winning, while Morocco has an 18.8% chance. The probability of the match ending in a draw is 23.5%. Brazil has a 65.85% chance of finishing first in Group 'C', and Morocco has a 23.14% chance.

Who Else is in Group 'C'?

Group 'C' consists of Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 32. This format is being implemented for the first time in World Cup history.

Current Performance

In their last five matches, Brazil has had three consecutive wins, followed by one loss and a draw. Morocco, on the other hand, has not lost. They drew their first match, won three in between, and drew the last game.

Based on the last five matches, Morocco's performance appears better than Brazil's. They drew with Norway and defeated Madagascar by a wide margin. Before that, they defeated Burundi and played a draw with Ecuador after beating Panama.

Brazil defeated Egypt and Panama before the World Cup and secured a win against Croatia in March. However, they lost to France and drew with Tunisia last November.

Brazil Leads in Head-to-Head History

Saturday's match will be the fourth encounter between Brazil and Morocco. So far, Brazil has won two matches, while Morocco has won one. In a friendly match in 2023, Morocco defeated Brazil 2-1. The two teams last met in the World Cup in 1998, where Brazil won 3-0 with goals from Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Bebeto.

Neymar Out, Morocco Also Loses Two Players

Potential starting players for Brazil, Rodrygo, Estevão, Éder Militão, and Wesley, are not in the squad due to injury. Neymar, who is recovering from a calf injury, will also not participate in the match against Morocco. It is still unclear when he will return and in what condition.

Morocco is also not without injury problems. Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli were ruled out of the squad after getting injured in the last friendly match. Amin Sbai and Marwan Sadaane have been included in the squad in their place.

Here is the Probable Lineup

Brazil's probable starting team (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro, Casemiro, Guimarães, Raphinha, Paquetá, Vinicius Junior, Cunha.

Morocco's probable starting team (4-2-3-1): Bono, Hakimi, Diop, Riyadh, Mazraoui, Bouaddi, El Aynoui, Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss, Saibari.