Last update at 13 June, 2026 ⏲️ Reading time: 1 minute
FIFA World Cup 2026 @ 13.06.2026
Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign against Morocco, thus beginning their quest for a coveted sixth title. It is worth remembering that the Verdeamarelha have not lifted the World Cup since 2002 and, although they are not among the favourites going into this tournament, the Brazilian press and fans are demanding and putting the pressure on, so Carlo Ancelotti’s side will feel the pressure to win right from the start. Opposing them will be a Morocco side that dazzled the world four years ago at the World Cup in Qatar and which is under pressure to try and emulate the semi-finals of that tournament, something that will be far from straightforward as they no longer have the element of surprise on their side and their opponents now know how to approach matches against the North African side. This will be one of the best matches of the group stage and, on paper, should be an evenly-contested affair, given that both sides have top-class players (Raphinha, Vinicius, Brahim, Hakimi, Ounahi) capable of tipping the balance. I firmly believe that the fact that the other two opponents in the group are Scotland and Haiti may lead both the Brazilians and the Moroccans to view a draw as a more than acceptable way to start their World Cup campaign, with both sides confident that they will subsequently be able to get the better of the Europeans and the Caribbean side. [prediction-item id="2687"]
