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The biggest fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far takes centre stage on Saturday as five-time world champions Brazil take on African heavyweights Morocco in a highly anticipated Group C encounter.
Although Brazil traditionally enter every World Cup as one of the leading contenders, expectations are more subdued this time around.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side arrived in North America following an inconsistent qualifying campaign and are viewed by many as one of the least fancied Brazilian teams in recent memory.
However, the Selecao still possess a squad packed with quality. Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes and Matheus Cunha are expected to feature prominently, while Neymar has returned to the national team after a two-and-a-half-year absence.
Morocco, meanwhile, continue to build on their historic World Cup exploits after becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals in Qatar 2022.
Led by stars such as Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, the Atlas Lions will believe they have the quality to trouble any opponent.
Team news
Brazil are expected to field a strong side, with goalkeeper Alisson set to start behind a defence marshalled by Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Vinicius Junior and Raphinha are likely to provide attacking support for Matheus Cunha.
The biggest talking point surrounds Neymar. The veteran forward has returned to the squad after a lengthy absence and could feature, although it remains unclear whether he will start or be introduced from the bench.
Morocco are expected to rely on captain Hakimi, Diaz, Sofyan Amrabat and Youssef En-Nesyri as they seek to pull off an upset against the South Americans.
Brazil seeking sixth world title
Brazil are chasing a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup crown and their first since 2002. The South Americans have failed to progress beyond the quarterfinals in four of the last five editions of the tournament.
“It is a good thing that there are some doubts about the team, because that has been the case on other occasions in the past,” goalkeeper Alisson said.
Morocco arrive with ambitions of extending their rise on the global stage despite managerial changes and recent controversy surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations.
Match prediction
According to Opta Analyst, Brazil have a 57.7 percent chance of victory, while Morocco’s chances stand at 18.8 percent.
The probability of a draw is 23.5 percent.
Brazil are also favourites to finish top of Group C, with a 65.85 percent chance compared to Morocco’s 23.14 percent.
How to watch
Nigeria:
DStv Channel 202 (SuperSport)
Brazil:
SBT, GETV, Globoplay, sportv, NSPORTS, Caze TV and TV Globo
Morocco:
beIN SPORTS Max 2 and beIN SPORTS Max 4
Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 PM WAT on Saturday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.