Match Preview
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Matchday: Matchday 1
Date: 13 June 2026
Kick-off time: 00:00 ( SA Time) 18:00 (US Local)
Venue: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ), USA.
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Match Details
Record five times champions Brazil begin their quest for a sixth FIFA World Cup title when they take on Morocco in the opening match for these two sides. Both teams will be desperate for a good start in what is one of the most difficult groups in the tournament. Defeat for either side could be disastrous so we can expect a cagey affair to begin with. The match is due for kick off at 00:00(SA Time) on the 13th June 2026.
Why This Match Matters
Both these teams have excellent quality and will fancy their chances of going deep in the tournament with Morocco looking to build on their semi final appearance in the last World Cup while Brazil will be hoping that master tactician Carlo Ancelotti can end their long trophy drought. A victory here would provide a huge boost in the race for qualification to the knockout rounds.
Brazil vs Morocco Head-to-Head Stats
Head-to-Head Record
Brazil v Morocco Head-to-Head Stats
The Brazil vs Morocco head-to-head stats have a very small sample with the teams only meeting twice before. Both teams have one victory each with Morocco winning the most recent encounter 2-1
Previous Meetings
The most recent meeting between these nations produced an outstanding result for Morocco:
25/03/2023 (Friendly): Morocco 2 – 1 Brazil
While Brazil has long been a powerhouse of world football, Morocco proved in that encounter that they can compete with the very best teams in the world.
Brazil’s Recent Form
Brazil’s last five matches: DLWWW
Recent results include:
- 07/06/2026 (Friendly): Brazil 2 – 1 Egypt
- 28/05/2026 (Friendly): Brazil 6 – 2 Panama
- 01/04/2026 (Friendly): Brazil 3 – 1 Croatia
- 26/03/2026 (Friendly): Brazil 1 – 2 France
- 18/11/2025 (Friendly): Brazil 1 – 1 Tunisia
Brazil have suffered just one defeat in their last five matches with that loss coming against the top ranked side in the world, France. They have scored a total of 13 goals in those matches while conceding seven goals. The South Americans will be concerned as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five matches.
Morocco’s Recent Form
Morocco’s last five matches: DWWWD
Recent results include:
- 07/06/2026 (Friendly): Morocco 1 – 1 Norway
- 02/06/2026 (Friendly): Morocco 4 – 0 Madagascar
- 26/05/2026 (Friendly): Morocco 5 – 0 Burundi
- 31/03/2026 (Friendly): Morocco 2 – 1 Paraguay
- 27/03/2025 (Friendly): Morocco 1 – 1 Ecuador
Morocco have continued their impressive rise in world football and enter the tournament unbeaten in their last five matches. They have built their success on an outstanding defence set up but have shown in recent matches that they are finding the back of the net more often. Morocco have scored 13 goals in their last five matches and conceded just three.
Team News
Brazil Team News
Injuries: A doubt remains over the availability of Neymar
Suspensions: No suspensions
Key players to watch: Vinícius Júnior is once again expected to carry the attack with youngster Endrick also in line to partner him in the forward line. Rodrygo and Raphinha offer plenty of speed and attacking flair on the wings. The midfield will be controlled by Bruno Guimarães who will play a key role in dictating the tempo while experienced centre-back Marquinhos provides leadership and stability in the defence.
Morocco Team News
Injuries: No injury concerns
Suspensions: No suspensions
Key players to watch: Achraf Hakimi will be crucial in defence and attack with his searing runs down the flank. Sofyan Amrabat provides the solidity in midfield while Brahim Díaz offers attacking quality capable of troubling any defence.
Predicted Lineups
Brazil Predicted XI
Brazil are expected to line up in an attacking 4-3-3 formation:
Alisson Becker; Danilo Luiz da Silva, Marquinhos Correa, Gabriel Magalhães, Guilherme Arana; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha , Lucas Paquetá, Vinícius Júnior; Endrick
Morocco Predicted XI
Morocco are likely to stick with their trusted 4-3-3 system:
Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Romain Saïss, Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui; Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi; Hakim Ziyech, Brahim Díaz, Abde Ezzalzouli; Ayoub El Kaabi.
Best Betting Markets for Brazil vs Morocco
Match Winner
Prediction: Brazil to win @ (1.65) at Hollywoodbets
Over/Under Goals
Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals @(1.77) at WSB
Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Both Teams to Score- Yes @ /10 (2.10) at Betway
Anytime Goalscorer
Prediction: Vinícius Júnior to score anytime @ (3.20) at Easybet
Brazil vs Morocco Prediction
Best Bet
Prediction: Brazil to win @(1.65) at Hollywoodbets
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Morocco @ (7.50) at Easybet
Match Analysis and Verdict
This tournament opener has all the makings of an intriguing clash as the flair of the Samba boys come up against the resolute defence of the Moroccans. The African side will be desperate to avoid conceding an early goal as they are not the best at chasing the game. The Brazilians on the other hand will be looking for a fast start that will put them in the pound seats. Vinicius Jr. is the key for the South Americans and they will do well to get the ball to him at every opportunity so he can run at the opposition defenders.
The Atlas Lions will not make life easy for the five-time champions but will need to be aware of the threats across the opposition team as they have pace to burn on the wings. We can expect a competitive and tactical encounter with Brazil eventually finding a way through a stubborn Moroccan defence to begin their World Cup campaign with a valuable victory.
Prediction: Brazil 2 – 1 Morocco
Writer / Betting tipster
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