Brazil v Morocco prediction, lineups and tips: World Cup 2026 Group C opener

Carlo Ancelotti begins his first World Cup as Brazil head coach against one of the most awkward opponents his side could have drawn in the group stage. Morocco arrive at MetLife Stadium having already lost two players to injury on the eve of the tournament, but they beat Brazil 2-1 in an October 2023 friendly and Walid Regragui's 2022 semi-final generation proved this is a nation capable of rattling anyone. The question is whether Mohamed Ouahbi, the new coach who replaced Regragui after his resignation, can replicate that organised, counter-attacking menace with a reshaped defensive unit.

Brazil are in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland and Haiti, and this fixture will effectively decide who finishes top of the group. The Selecao have won five World Cups, more than any other nation, but their last title came in 2002. A 24-year drought has pressed hard on a football-obsessed country, and Ancelotti, appointed in May 2025 as Brazil's first foreign head coach, arrives on the biggest stage having signed a contract extension through the 2030 tournament.

His preparations have not been straightforward. Right-back Wesley was ruled out after suffering a thigh injury against Egypt in a pre-tournament friendly on 6 June, replaced in the squad by midfielder Ederson. Estevao and Rodrygo were lost earlier to injury. Neymar, 34, is carrying a grade-two calf strain sustained on 17 May and is expected to miss the opener, though Brazil hope to have him available later in the group stage. With those absences mounting, Raphinha and Vinicius Jr carry Brazil's main attacking threat.

Morocco's campaign has been built on the back of their 2022 semi-final run and a controversial Africa Cup of Nations title, awarded after Senegal were stripped of the crown. They were the only African side to win all eight of their 2026 qualifying matches. Ouahbi insisted at Friday's pre-match press conference that his team's philosophy will not change despite the casualties: "We are disappointed to be without Aguerd and Ezzalzouli, but we have found solutions, and that is the most important thing. We are confident and will continue doing the same work we always do."

Captain Achraf Hakimi, who overcame a thigh injury picked up in PSG's Champions League semi-final to feature in the final, is expected to start. Noussair Mazraoui injured his shoulder in Morocco's friendly against Norway but has returned to training and should be available.

Ancelotti was candid at Friday's press conference about the scale of the challenge. "Don't forget, tomorrow we are facing the champions of Africa, Morocco. They're a great team," he said. "Morocco is a great team and they have complete players who perform in Europe. In order to beat them, we have to defend better and attack better, otherwise we will be in trouble."

The Italian also touched on the broader pressure of leading the Selecao. "It is a new experience, but obviously something special. It means having the responsibility and the honour of representing the country of football, the most decorated national team in the world."

International managers rotate more freely than club coaches, but Ancelotti has shown a clear preference for his best-available XI in big fixtures. With Neymar absent, Igor Thiago or Matheus Cunha is the most likely central option. Vinicius Jr starts on the left, Raphinha on the right. Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes should anchor the midfield, with Endrick providing an option from the bench. For Morocco, Bono starts in goal behind a back four likely to feature Hakimi at right-back, Mazraoui (fitness permitting) at left-back, and Chadi Riad partnering Issa Diop at centre-back. Brahim Diaz and Bilal El Khannouss supply creativity from midfield, with Soufiane Rahimi leading the line.

Brazil: Bento; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Guilherme Arana; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes; Raphinha, Rodriguinho, Vinicius Jr; Igor Thiago

Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Chadi Riad, Issa Diop, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Khannouss; Brahim Diaz, Ounahi, Saibari; Rahimi

Brazil v Morocco kicks off at 23:00 BST on Saturday, 13 June. The match is live on BBC One in the UK, with coverage starting at 22:30. You can also stream it via BBC iPlayer. In the United States, Fox Sports has the rights.