Brazil vs Morocco Prediction: Match Preview

Brazil: Ancelotti begins his World Cup mission

Brazil enter another World Cup carrying the weight of history, expectation and unfinished business. The Selecao remain the most successful nation in World Cup history, with five titles, 74 wins and appearances at every tournament since 1930.

Yet their last triumph came in 2002. That 24-year wait now matches the famous drought between 1970 and 1994, which was also ended on American soil. Brazil will hope that returning to North America brings a similar outcome.

The appointment of Carlo Ancelotti in May 2025 was a historic move. Brazil had never previously appointed a foreign head coach, but the Italian’s elite club record and calm authority made him an obvious candidate for a squad that needed structure, clarity and leadership.

Qualification was not smooth. Brazil finished fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying after eight wins, four draws and six defeats from 18 matches. That campaign exposed inconsistency, defensive lapses and a lack of rhythm that Ancelotti has since tried to correct.

There have still been bumps. Brazil lost their final qualifier against Bolivia and later suffered friendly defeats to Japan and France. However, recent performances have been more encouraging, with victories over Croatia, Panama and Egypt by an aggregate score of 11-4.

Without Neymar, who is still recovering from a calf injury, the creative load will fall heavily on Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Lucas Paqueta. Ancelotti must also decide whether Matheus Cunha, Endrick or Igor Thiago starts as the central striker.

Brazil have historically performed well against African opposition at the World Cup, winning seven of their eight such matches. However, their only defeat in that sequence came against Cameroon in 2022, a reminder that reputation alone will not be enough.

Morocco: Still dangerous after their historic rise

Morocco arrive as one of the tournament’s most respected outsiders. Four years after becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, the Atlas Lions are no longer a surprise package.

Their rise has been built on discipline, technical quality and tactical maturity. Since the start of 2023, Morocco have recorded 33 wins, 10 draws and only two defeats in 45 matches, underlining their status as one of international football’s strongest recent performers.

They breezed through CAF qualifying with eight wins from eight matches, while their Africa Cup of Nations success earlier this year added another layer of belief to an already confident group.

There has, however, been managerial disruption. Walid Regragui resigned less than 100 days before the tournament, leaving former Under-23 coach Mohamed Ouahbi to take charge. Ouahbi has made a steady start, with three wins and two draws from his first five matches.

Morocco drew 1-1 with Norway in their final warm-up fixture, but that game also brought injury concerns. Abde Ezzalzouli has been ruled out of the tournament, while Noussair Mazraoui is facing a late fitness call after a shoulder issue.

Even with those setbacks, Morocco remain highly dangerous. Achraf Hakimi provides elite quality from the right, Sofyan Amrabat gives the midfield steel, and Brahim Diaz has become a major attacking force with 14 goals in 26 international appearances.

Morocco also know they can beat Brazil. Their most recent meeting ended in a 2-1 friendly win for the Atlas Lions in March 2023, and that result should give them belief heading into this Group C opener.

Brazil vs Morocco Team News

Brazil team news

Neymar is not expected to be ready for this match as he continues his recovery from a grade two calf injury.

Right-back Wesley has been ruled out of the World Cup with a muscle injury sustained in the friendly win over Egypt. Ederson, a late midfield call-up, has reportedly been tested at right-back in training, while Danilo and Roger Ibanez are also options.

Alisson Becker, Gabriel Magalhaes and Bruno Guimaraes are expected to start, while Vinicius Junior and Raphinha should provide the main wide threat.

Brazil possible starting lineup:

Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha

Morocco team news

Morocco will be without Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli, who have both been ruled out of the tournament through injury.

Noussair Mazraoui was forced off against Norway with a shoulder issue, and a late decision will be made on his availability.

Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz are expected to start, while Ismael Saibari and Bilal El Khannouss could operate in a fluid attacking unit.

Morocco possible starting lineup:

Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss