Brazil’s first match at any World Cup is always a massive occasion – and 2026 is no different.
The five-time winners take on reigning African champions Morocco in New Jersey late on Saturday evening.
It really is a massive Group C encounter, as the victor will fancy their chances of going on to top a group which also contains Scotland and Haiti.
Brazil have not reached a World Cup semi-final since 2014, while Morocco qualified for the final four at Qatar 2022.
Carlo Ancelotti is the man tasked with bringing the glory days back for the Selecao, while it is the beginning of a new era for a talented Morocco side after Mohamed Ouahbi replaced Walid Regragui as manager in March.
This has all the makings of an early tournament classic, and below is our full match preview, which features some sports betting tips and the latest World Cup odds.
And make sure to keep a close eye on our Bet Boosts page throughout the competition, a place where we increase the price of selected markets to provide eligible NetBet users with more winning potential.
Where can I watch Brazil vs Morocco in the UK?
Brazil vs Morocco will be broadcast live on BBC One, with kick-off scheduled for 11pm UK time.
Brazil vs Morocco Preview
Recent results
Brazil somewhat scraped through the CONMEBOL qualifying group, suffering some concerning losses on the way vs old rivals Argentina (4-1), Bolivia (1-0) and Paraguay (1-0). But the important thing is the Selecao are at the World Cup, maintaining their presence in every tournament since it was first conceived in 1930. Brazil have played eight friendlies since securing qualification, suffering two defeats to France (1-2) and Japan (3-2). But Ancelotti’s men are now on a three-game winning run after victories against Croatia (3-1), Panama (6-2) and Egypt (2-1).
Since ‘winning’ 3-0 vs Senegal in January’s AFCON final (the Atlas Lions actually lost 1-0 AET but the result was changed due to Senegal’s on-pitch protest), Morocco have won three of five matches, beating Paraguay (2-1), Burundi (5-0) and Madagascar (4-0). Ouahbi’s side drew 1-1 with highly-fancied Norway last Sunday, with star man Brahim Diaz netting after just eight minutes.
Head-to-head record
Brazil and Morocco have met three times. The South Americans won the first two encounters, a 2-0 friendly victory in 1997 followed by a 3-0 group-stage triumph at the 1998 World Cup. But Morocco won 2-1 when the nations clashed in a June 2023 friendly.
Team news
Brazil’s squad is packed full of talent, including Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Marquinhos, the returning Neymar and a host of Premier League stars – namely Bruno Guimaraes, Rayan, Gabriel Magalhaes, Alisson Becker and Igor Thiago.
However, marauding Roma wing-back Wesley picked up an injury vs Egypt and has been ruled out of the tournament, with Atalanta’s Ederson replacing him in the squad. Neymar is also likely to miss the early stages of the tournament through a lack of fitness.
Morocco’s squad is spearheaded by skipper Achraf Hakimi, who is widely regarded as the best right-back in world football thanks to his dazzling displays at Paris Saint-Germain. The likes of Diaz, Nayef Aguerd, Yassine Bounou and Ismael Saibari help make the Moroccans a team which only a fool would underestimate.
Although, Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli each picked up knocks vs Norway, making the pair – who are undoubtedly key players for Ouahbi – big doubts for this crucial fixture.
Brazil vs Morocco Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Brazil enter the match as favourites at a price of 1.65. A win for Morocco is at odds of 5.30, while the draw is 3.58.
Brazil vs Morocco Betting Tips
Both teams to score – Yes @ 1.95
Brazil’s matches this year have been thoroughly enjoyable, with this BTTS pick landing in all four of them. And with the calibre of attacker on each side, you have to fancy both teams to be on the scoresheet in East Rutherford, especially if they each bring something close to their A-game.
Total goals – Over 2.5 @ 2.00
Another goal-themed pick here, one which has landed in six of Brazil’s last eight matches. Furthermore, over 2.5 goals were scored in three of Morocco’s previous four outings, so this selection being priced at evens feels incredibly generous – though represents an opportunity which perhaps should not be missed.
Player to score or assist – Vinicius Junior @ 1.83
Vinicius is yet to really light up a major tournament in Brazil colours, but 2026 could be his year. The Real Madrid ace created a goal vs Croatia, before scoring and assisting vs Panama. Vinicius has five goal contributions from the last three international matches in which he has started as a left winger, the exact position we expect him to be deployed in vs Morocco.
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