Brazil makes its 2026 World Cup debut against Morocco this Saturday in the first round of Group C—a match that already serves as a barometer for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad in its quest for a sixth title. Since it is the opening round, neither team has taken the field in the competition yet: both sides are going all out in the opening match of a group that also includes Haiti and Scotland.
On the Brazilian side, Ancelotti is dealing with issues at right back. Wesley, of Roma, was cut from the squad due to a muscle injury sustained in the friendly against Egypt, while Éder Militão, who underwent thigh surgery in April, wasn’t even called up. Neymar, with a Grade 2 injury to his right calf, is also out for the opener. Danilo and Ibañez are vying for the spot on the right.
Morocco, the current African champion and a semifinalist in Qatar in 2022, arrives with its full squad at the ready. Under the new leadership of Mohamed Ouahbi, who took over after Walid Regragui’s departure, the team relies on captain Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz, top scorer of the last Africa Cup of Nations, as its main weapons.
Match date and time
Brazil and Morocco face off this Saturday, June 13, at 7 p.m. Brasília time, at MetLife Stadium. In New Jersey local time, kickoff is at 6 p.m. (ET).
Where to watch on TV and streaming
Broadcast coverage in Brazil will be extensive. Globo will air the game on broadcast TV; Sportv will show it on pay TV, and Globoplay will provide the stream. Online, Cazé TV will broadcast for free on YouTube—the only platform showing all 104 World Cup matches. SBT will also air the match on broadcast TV. It’s worth deciding on a platform in advance, as the opening match tends to overload servers.
The stadium
The venue for the World Cup final on July 19, MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just a few miles from Manhattan. With a capacity of approximately 82,500, it is one of the largest stadiums in the United States and home to the Giants and Jets of the NFL. For the World Cup, it is known as New York New Jersey Stadium.
Probable lineups
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Lucas Paquetá, Vinícius Júnior; Matheus Cunha.
Morocco (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Chadi Riad, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Khannouss, Ounahi; Brahim Díaz, El Kaabi, Ezzalzouli.
What to do in São Paulo:
16 July 2026 21:00 + more dates
