Match Preview
Carlo Ancelotti will lead the Selecao in a bid for a record extending sixth World Cup win. When appointed in May 2025 he became the first foreign coach ever appointed by the Brazilian Football Association.
No Nation has been more successful in World Cup history than Brazil, they have played more games than any other nation with 114, winning 74 of those. They stand alone with 5 Victories and another proud piece of history for the South Americans is they are the only team to compete at every edition of the competition since 1930.
Worryingly for Brazil however is they havnt lifted the trophy since a 2-0 victory over Germany in Japan back in 2002. In a strange twist of fate there previous longest drought was 24 years between 1970 & 1994, a run that ended in America, could history repeat itself ?
Qualification was a real struggle thiis time around, usually they comfortably reach the Tournament but they were beaten 6 times across the 18 games in Qualification and finished fifth of the six CONMEBOL Qualifiers.
Since sealing a place in North America the results havnt improved much, they have lost to Japan (2-3) & France (1-2), although they have won the three games since against Croatia, Panama & Egypt.
Morocco made history four years ago at the 2022 World Cup becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup Semi Final. That was by far there most successful appearance on the World Stage and this will be their seventh World Cup. Plenty of observers feel they could once again be the dark horses in North America.
The Atlas Lions have become a real powerhouse and were crowned African Champions earlier this year albeit in controversial circumstances. They are one of the form nations in world football having lost just two games in the last forty five (45) winning thirty three (33) of those & drawing ten.
Walid Regragui has led his team to 7th in the latest FIFA World Rankings. He guided them seamlessly through CAF Qualification winning all eight fixtures with minimal fuss.
This is a team full of superstars who play for some of the Worlds biggest football clubs and they shouldnt be underestimated in this Tournament.
Team News Brazil
Neymar was a controversial inclusion in the Brazil squad, he has suffered numerous injuries since his return to Santos and he won’t be available to face Morocco as he is struggling with a calf strain.
Another key player unavailable for Ancelotti is right back Wesley, he was expected to be a key figure in this team but he has been ruled out of the tournament through injury and replaced by Man Utd target Ederson and he might be a surprise starter at right back if Ancelotti has lost trust in Danilo.
There will be plenty of Premier League experience in the starting team with Allison, Bruno Guimaraes and Gabriel Magalhaes all expected to start whilst its La Liga that will provide the major attacking threat with Real Madrids (Vinicius Jr) and Barcelona’s (Raphinha)
Team News Morocco
Morocco have been dealt a double blow with both Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli bith missing the World Cup with Groin and Knee inuries respectively. They have been replaced in the 26 man squad by Marwane Saadane and Angers’s Amine Sbai.
Losing Ezzalzouli is a huge blow for the Atlas Lions as he was a certain starter.
Ezzalzouli sustained his injury in the friendly draw with Norway, and Noussair Mazraoui was forced off in the same game with a shoulder problem. While the defender’s injury is not thought to be serious, a late call will be made on his availability.
Form
| Team | Latest Result | Form (Last 6) |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 2-1 vs Egypt | W D L W W W |
| Morocco | 1-1 vs Norway | W D W W W D |
Possible Line Ups
Brazil (4-2-1-3)
Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha
Morocco (4-2-3-1)
Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil Win | 8/11 (1.73) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 13/5 (3.6) | Dream Vegas |
| Morocca Win | 9/2 (5,5) | 247Bet |
We Predict.....
Brazil 1-1 Morocco
World Cup opening matches tend to be tight and cagey affairs and I expect this to be no different. Mexico have built a solid defensive unit and although South Africa have scored in 9 of the last 11 matches this is a step up in opposition they will be facing.
Home advantage should be a huge boost for the Mexicans and unless they bow to the pressure of being a host nation they should kick of the campaign with a routine victory.