Morocco to face Brazil at 2026 World Cup after 28-year gap

Morocco will meet Brazil on Sunday in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the teams' first meeting at the tournament since the 1998 edition in France. The Group C fixture is Brazil's first game under Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose side will face a Moroccan team that finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Speaking at a pre-match news conference, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi said the gap between the two sides has narrowed. "There is no clear favorite in World Cup matches anymore. The differences are very small," Hakimi said, adding that the outcome will be decided by small details and on-pitch quality. Morocco head coach Mohammed Ouahbi said his players are ready and looking to translate recent work into results. Historical records show Morocco has never won a World Cup opener and has not defeated a South American opponent at the tournament. The sides last met at the 1998 World Cup, where Brazil won 3-0 with goals from Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Bebeto. Brazil forward Vinícius Júnior acknowledged the development of Moroccan football, saying the team is capable of challenging any opponent. Brazil lost 2-1 to Morocco in a 2023 friendly.