2026 World Cup Group C: Brazil vs Morocco Preview, Odds and Predictions (June 13)
- When: Saturday, June 13, 2026. 6:00 PM ET
- Where: MetLife Stadium, New York, New Jersey, United States
- How to Watch: FOX
The 2026 World Cup is underway with the first matchup in Group C getting underway in New York, New Jersey with Brazil taking on Morocco. These two squads will likely be in direct competition for a qualifying spot in the group, meaning that there will be pressure on both nations on MD1.
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Brazil Stats & Team News
Brazil will have the fortune of being slight underdogs among the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, especially after going through a difficult qualifying cycle. Neymar tearing his ACL in the fourth qualifier significantly dented the team’s quality of performances, having them be shaky before finally punching their ticket to the tournament. They have the experience with head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who looks to bring them back to glory as champions to secure their sixth star.
While Neymar is back on the squad, the Brazilians will turn to Raphinha and Vini Jr. to lead the offense while the team’s all-time goalscorer completes his latest injury recovery. Ancelotti has benefitted Vini Jr. since taking over, seeing the star winger produce goals for himself and his teammates. Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes mans the centerback spots as the duo seeks to outmatch opposing offenses with their technical quality and physicality.
Likely Lineup:
(4-3-3) Alisson (GK); Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes, Paqueta, Raphinha; Cunha, Vini Jr.
Morocco Stats & Team News
Morocco made incredible noise after finishing fourth place in the 2022 World Cup, stunning Spain and Portugal to become the first African team to reach the semifinals. However, the chances of making another deep run will be put to the test as they no longer have the head coach who got them that far. As a result, they won’t have the same tactics that allowed them to stun the world in 2022, having their prospects of winning more difficult.
Achraf Hakimi is coming off winning back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles with PSG, hoping to shine as one of the top players in the tournament. While Morocco hopes to remain stout defensively, they will look to have more explosive displays on the offensive side of the ball with Brahim Diaz leading the charge.
Likely Lineup:
(4-2-3-1) Bono (GK); Mazraoui, Riad, Diop, Hakimi; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; El Khannouss, Ounahi, Brahim Diaz; Saibari
Head-to-Head Stats
- This is the third meeting between Brazil and Morocco.
- The most recent encounter ended in a 2-1 win for Morocco in March 2023.
- This will be the second competitive meeting between the nations, first since the 1998 World Cup.
Brazil vs. Morocco World Cup Picks
Besides Neymar and the most recently cut Wesley, Brazil has done a great job at maintaining healthy players that will prove to be beneficial going into the opener. However, Morocco is dealing with health issues as they had two key players be ruled out for the tournament. The dip in the team’s quality will pave the way for Brazil to come away with a close win. It would be safe to believe that Brazil takes this one by a 2-1 score.
