Match Information
Fixture: Brazil vs Morocco
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group C
Date: June 13, 2026
Kick-off Time: 22:00 UTC
Stadium: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, NJ.
Capacity: 82,500
Injury and Team News
Both teams lost some of their key players for the match due to injury.
Neymar is ruled out of the fixture following the injury sustained in the match against Cortiba in the Brazilian Serie A. According to the latest press release from the Brazilian national team, his progress in recovery has been positive so far, but his presence in group stage matches is still in doubt.
Injury of Right Back Wesley is a huge blow for Brazil, as there are no players at his level in the squad to cover the right back role. Danilo is likely to handle the role of right back, but the player is 34 years old, and he is not in his prime at this moment.
Wesley is replaced by midfielder Ederson in the squad.
Morocco received a harsh blow ahead of the World Cup with the injuries of Ez Abde and Aguerde. A knee injury sustained against Norway ruled Abde out of the World Cup. Abde is one of the key players in Morocco's attack, especially after an impressive season with Betis.
Aguerd is ruled out of the World Cup because he is still not recovered from the groin issue sustained in March while playing for his club.
Both players are placed by Amine Sbai and Marwane Saadane in the squad.
Brazil Still Possess Firepower Across the Pitch
Brazil will play the match without their star player Neymar, but still they are the favorites in this fixture because the team is managed by Carlo Ancelotti. Ancelotti’s team is heavily dependent on sitting back and counterattacking against the opponents, and he has the tailor-made players for the system in the team, like Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior, and Igor Thiago.
In midfield, Brazil has defensive solidity with experienced Casemiro and Newcastle United's warrior, Bruno Guimarães. In the absence of Neymar, Lucas Paquetá will be the key source of creativity in the middle of the pitch. Brazil's center backs and goalkeeper are really strong on paper, but they lack quality fullbacks.
Vinicius Jr and Raphinha Lead the Attack
The major threat from the Brazilian side will be Raphinha and Vinicius Jr. from the wings during counterattacks and Gabriel and Casemiro during set pieces.
Morocco Aim to Repeat Their World Cup Success
Even though the team lost Abde and Aguerd, they still possess a strong squad that could challenge any team in the world; the Moroccan team stunned everyone in the last World Cup with their run to the semifinals of the tournament.
They are planning to repeat the same run with a compact defensive shape and clinical attack.
Familiar Leaders and New Talents in Moroccan Squad
They have key players from last campaign, including Amrabat, Yassine Bounou, and Achraf Hakimi, for this edition, while a set of youngsters who can make a huge difference are added to the squad, including Saibari and Ayoub Aimaimouni.
Recently Moroccan manager Walid Regragui resigned from his role, and Mohamed Ouahbi took charge of the role for a fresh face and different energy for the team.
However, how the new manager’s tactics will benefit the team is yet to be seen on the big stage of world football.
Expected Lineups
Morocco : Bounou; Hakimi, Riad, Diop, Belammari; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi, Ounahi; Brahim Diaz, Rahimi, Saibari
Brazil : Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Alex Sandro; Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá; Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior
Prediction and Forecast
Brazil and Morocco are likely to offer one of the most exciting matches of the opening round. Both teams have strong attacking talent, and key players missing on defense will create opportunities. Morocco can challenge Brazil's defense, but Brazil's stronger offense might be just enough to win a thrilling game.
Predicted Score : Brazil 3-2 Morocco