Last Updated on 13/06/2026 by TinHN Editor
Brazil begin their quest for a sixth world title against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on Saturday, June 13 (6 p.m. ET) — the standout fixture of the opening round and an early showdown for top spot in Group C. Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded Seleção will be without Neymar, while Morocco arrive unbeaten in the sides’ most recent meeting and unburdened by fear after their historic semi-final run in 2022.
Match Details: When and Where Is Brazil vs Morocco?
- Date & kick-off: Saturday, June 13, 2026 — 6:00 p.m. ET (11 p.m. BST)
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey — the same stadium that will host the World Cup final on July 19
- Group: Group C (Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland)
- Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
- TV: Fox Sports (US), BBC One (UK)
For broadcast options in other countries, see our full guide on where to watch World Cup 2026, and check kick-off times in your timezone on the complete fixture schedule.
Team News: No Neymar as Ancelotti Settles on His XI
The headline from the Brazil camp: Neymar will miss the opener as he continues his recovery from a calf injury. Right-back Wesley has been ruled out of the tournament entirely with a muscle problem, prompting a late call-up for midfielder Ederson, who has been tested at right-back in training — though Danilo remains the more natural option there.
Otherwise, Brazil are at close to full strength. Alisson starts in goal behind Marquinhos and Gabriel, with Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães screening midfield and Vinicius Jr and Raphinha leading the attack. The bench is where Brazil’s depth becomes frightening: Endrick, Matheus Cunha and Martinelli are all options to change the game late on. Ancelotti confirmed after the friendly win over Egypt that his starting lineup is already decided.
Morocco, under new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, build everything around PSG right-back Achraf Hakimi — the structural pillar of their defensive block and the launchpad for their wide attacks. Ouahbi has also brought through his U-20 prodigies Othmane Maamma and Yassir Zabiri, who are expected to inject energy from the bench. The squad carries some injury concerns, which may push Morocco toward an even more conservative setup.
[IMAGE 2 — After this section: Hakimi in Morocco colors. Caption: “Achraf Hakimi anchors Morocco’s system from right-back.” Search query: “Achraf Hakimi Morocco national team 2026”.]
Head-to-Head: Why Morocco Won’t Be Intimidated
These nations have met just once at a World Cup — a 3-0 Brazil win at France 1998. But the most recent meeting tells a different story: Morocco beat Brazil 2-1 in a friendly in March 2023, just months after becoming the first African nation ever to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Brazil, meanwhile, carry the heaviest expectations in the tournament. It has been 24 years since their last title in 2002, with quarter-final exits in four of the last five World Cups. The appointment of Ancelotti — the Seleção’s first foreign coach in a century — was a historic gamble designed to end exactly that pattern. How far they can go is a central question in our analysis of all 48 squads.
Tactical Preview: A Cagey Start, Decided by the Benches
With Haiti and Scotland completing Group C, this match will effectively decide who tops the group — and under the expanded format, your group position shapes your entire knockout path through the Round of 32. (New to the 48-team structure? Our World Cup 2026 format explainer covers how qualification and seeding work.)
Expect a cautious first half. Morocco’s identity is a compact, disciplined low block — precisely the type of opponent that has troubled Ancelotti’s Brazil, who lost friendlies to France and Japan and drew with Tunisia against similar setups. Neither side needs to overcommit early with two winnable games to follow.
The difference-maker should be Brazil’s bench. As legs tire, Endrick, Cunha and Martinelli can stretch a Morocco defense that will have spent an hour absorbing pressure. Vinicius Jr, meanwhile, starts the tournament with a point to prove — he features prominently in our Golden Boot predictions.
Our prediction: Brazil 2-1 Morocco — but a draw would surprise no one. You can simulate how Group C unfolds with our interactive World Cup Predictor, and map both teams’ potential knockout routes in the bracket guide.
Predicted Lineups
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Alisson — Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, LB — Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães — Raphinha, AM, Vinicius Jr — ST. Right-back is between Danilo and Ederson; official lineups drop about an hour before kick-off.
Morocco (4-3-3, defensive shape): A deep block with Hakimi operating from right-back, breaking quickly down the flanks.
FAQ: Brazil vs Morocco at World Cup 2026
What time is Brazil vs Morocco?
Kick-off is 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 13, 2026 (11 p.m. BST) at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Is Neymar playing against Morocco?
No. Neymar has not recovered from a calf injury and will miss Brazil’s World Cup 2026 opener.
What channel is Brazil vs Morocco on?
Fox Sports carries the match in the US, and BBC One in the UK. See our where-to-watch guide for other countries.
Have Brazil and Morocco played each other before?
Once at a World Cup — Brazil won 3-0 in 1998. Morocco won the most recent meeting, a 2-1 friendly victory in March 2023.
Who else is in Group C at World Cup 2026?
Group C contains Brazil, Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Brazil vs Morocco is widely seen as the decider for top spot.