Brazil vs Morocco: World Cup 2026 blockbuster clash

KATHMANDU: Brazil and Morocco are set to face each other in one of the most anticipated group-stage matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

The high-voltage encounter will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, kicking off at 3:45 AM Nepal time.

The match brings together the tournament’s most successful side, Brazil national football team, and Africa’s rising powerhouse, Morocco national football team, in a clash that promises intensity, history, and high stakes.

Brazil aiming to end long title drought

Brazil, five-time World Cup champions, are still searching for their first title in 24 years. In rec

ent tournaments, they have come close but fallen short—reaching the quarterfinals in Qatar 2022, where they were eliminated by Croatia, and exiting in the last eight in Russia 2018 as well.

The team, which boasts a rich World Cup history with 74 wins from 114 matches, is determined to correct past mistakes and return to the top of world football.

A major shift in Brazilian football came with the appointment of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, making him the first permanent foreign head coach in Brazil’s history. The experienced tactician, who has won numerous trophies across Europe, is now aiming to complete his managerial legacy by delivering World Cup glory.

Morocco look to repeat historic run

Morocco, known as the “Atlas Lions,” enter the tournament with confidence after their historic semi-final run in Qatar 2022—the best performance ever by an African nation in World Cup history.

Now competing in their seventh World Cup, Morocco are widely regarded as one of the tournament’s dark horses.

Their consistency has been impressive, and since 2023 they have recorded 33 wins in 45 matches, alongside 10 draws and only two defeats.

They currently sit seventh in the FIFA rankings, ahead of top European sides such as Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Notably, Morocco have already beaten Brazil once in recent years, securing a 2–1 friendly victory in 2023, a result that adds extra confidence ahead of this encounter.

Key players to watch include captain Achraf Hakimi and attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz, while Brazil will rely heavily on stars such as Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Alisson Becker, Gabriel Magalhães, and Bruno Guimarães.

Brazil, however, are expected to be without Neymar, who is still struggling with a long-term injury concern and is unlikely to feature in the match. Right-back Wesley is also sidelined due to a muscle injury, with Atlético Madrid midfielder Ederson expected to step in.

MetLife Stadium set for global spotlight

The match will be held at MetLife Stadium, one of the marquee venues of the 2026 tournament, hosting some of the biggest fixtures of the competition.

Scotland and Haiti add more World Cup excitement

Elsewhere in the tournament, Haiti national football team has made a long-awaited return to the World Cup after 52 years.

The Caribbean side, among the lowest-ranked teams in the competition, stunned New Zealand 4–0 in a pre-tournament friendly, showing strong form heading into the event.

Haiti’s previous World Cup appearance in 1974 ended in disappointment, but this time the team is aiming for a more competitive showing on home-continent soil. They earned qualification with impressive wins over Costa Rica and Nicaragua during the CONCACAF qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Scotland national football team return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. With players like Scott McTominay and Andrew Robertson, Scotland are being considered one of the potential dark horses alongside Morocco and Norway.

Scotland’s recent friendly performances have also boosted confidence, including a 4–1 win over Curaçao and a 4–0 victory against Bolivia. The team now hopes to finally break their group-stage curse and reach the knockout rounds for the first time in modern World Cup history.