The North Africans will kick off their campaign with a Group C clash against the five-time world champions at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, June 13th.
Morocco will be appearing in the global stage for the seventh time - (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, and 2026). Their crowning achievement came at Qatar 2022, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, ultimately finishing in fourth place.
The Atlas Lions went undefeated in the group stage, eliminated Spain in a penalty shootout, and defeated Portugal in the quarter-finals to reach the final four.
Morocco will look to better the Qatar performance but must show up against the Selecao alongside Haiti, and Scotland in Group C. Brazil and Morocco have met only three times in history, with Brazil leading the head-to-head 2-1.
Their only World Cup clash was in 1998, when Brazil won 3-0. Morocco’s sole victory came in a 2023 friendly, while Brazil also won a 1997 friendly.
Morocco is a great team
“Don’t forget, tomorrow (Saturday), we are facing the champions of Africa, Morocco. They’re a great team,” Ancelotti told reporters ahead of the game as quoted by Morocco News.
“Morocco is a great team and they have complete players who perform in Europe. In order to beat them, we have to defend better and attack better, otherwise we will be in trouble,” added the 67-year-old tactician.
Ancelotti added: “We have great respect for this team. It is a very organised team with quality in all lines. “I don't want to delve into this topic, but it is a very strong and well-equipped team.”
The match will also mark Ancelotti’s World Cup debut as Brazil head coach. The Italian manager said he intends to enjoy the occasion, describing it as one of the proudest moments of his career.
“It’s an honor and a big responsibility for me. I am excited and I look forward to it. Fear is good. If you go without fear, you will face the lion thinking it’s a cat,” added Ancelotti.
Morocco model for African teams
Vinicius Junior reserved praise for Morocco saying they have a lot of respect for the African champions.
“I can’t reveal our secrets or our official formation here because I am sure that the Moroccan national team is watching this press conference,” said Vinicius.
“Morocco is always able to make surprises in the World Cup, as usual. Credit to Morocco and what they have achieved. They have become a big model for many countries in Africa and even outside Africa.”
The 25-year-old continued: “They have talented players and are very good technically. They have Diaz, Hakimi and others, who play regularly in the Champions League.”
“It will be a very good game to watch. I hope the fans can enjoy a good show.”
The Atlas Lions roared their way to top spot in Group E of the CAF qualifiers and were the first African side to secure their place at the global showpiece.
The team bagged their berth courtesy of a resounding 5-0 success over Niger on September 5th.
The tournament is currently taking place from June 11th to July 19th, 2026, and is jointly hosted by sixteen cities—eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The tournament is the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations, and the first to include 48 teams, an expansion from the previous 32.
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 national teams and will be played in 16 modern stadiums.
Match schedule and times | Group tables | Full squads for World Cup | How to watch the World Cup
