Raphinha (left) and Vinicius Junior (centre) are both expected to start as Brazil opens its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Morocco. | Photo Credit: AP

Brazil, the most successful team in the FIFA World Cup with five titles, returns to the United States of America (USA) after three decades with hopes of repeating history.

The Selecao had won the 1994 World Cup on penalties in this very country, and this time, under legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, will look to pull off an equally dominant result after years of lull. The South American giant has not lifted the trophy since 2002.

In front of it stands Morocco, the giant killer of the 2022 World Cup, which reached the semifinals after beating Spain and Portugal.

The Atlas Lions enter the tournament as the African Cup of Nations winners and, now under new coach Mohamed Ouahbi, will look to write a fresh chapter in the quadrennial showpiece.

Brazil vs Mexico head-to-head:

• Total matches: 3
• Brazil: 2
• Morocco: 1
• Draws: 0

Form guide: Brazil

• Brazil 2-1 Egypt
• Brazil 6-2 Panama
• Brazil 3-1 Croatia
• Brazil 1-2 France
• Brazil 1-1 Tunisia

Form guide: Morocco

• Morocco 1-1 Norway
• Morocco 4-0 Madagascar
• Morocco 2-1 Paraguay
• Morocco 1-1 Ecuador
• Senegal 0-3 Morocco

Predicted line-up of Brazil (4-2-3-1)

Alisson — Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro — Casemiro, Guimarães — Raphinha, Paquetá, Vinícius Jr — Cunha

Predicted line-up of Morocco (4-2-3-1)

Bounou (GK) — Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui — Bouaddi, El Aynaoui — B. Diaz, Ounahi, Rahimi — Saibari

Published on Jun 13, 2026