Morocco, semi-finalists in Qatar in 2022, set to continue their ascent on the global stage
Atlas Lions take on Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi and captain Achraf Hakimi struck a confident note ahead of the game
It is one of the standout fixtures of the group stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026™: the Group C meeting between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium. While Carlo Ancelotti’s first steps at a FIFA World Cup™ will be scrutinised, there is equal intrigue around Morocco and whether they can reproduce the performance that carried them so deep in Qatar.
Whether in the stands or the press room, the sense is that these two sides are now operating on broadly similar terrain. Captain Achraf Hakimi certainly sees it that way. When asked if Morocco would approach the game as underdogs, he dismissed the notion, even though the Atlas Lions’ meagre five World Cup victories pale in comparison to Brazil’s five world titles.
“In a match like this, in a tournament like the World Cup, there are no favourites,” said the right-back. “It’s 50-50. It’ll come down to the smallest of details, to which team are more clinical. We hope it will be us.”
Hakimi’s confidence is not misplaced. Morocco have been among the game’s upwardly mobile sides in recent years. Their run in Qatar was the catalyst, but just as significant has been their ability to sustain that progress.
“The mood is good, and we’re very confident,” said coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who is taking charge at FIFA’s flagship men’s tournament for the first time after having led Morocco to victory in the U-20 competition last September. “We believe in the players, in the work we’ve done, and in the principles we’ve sought to instil in them. The matches will show us where we stand.”
Morocco have never won their opening match at the FIFA World Cup, nor faced South American opposition in those games. The last time they met a side from that continent at the global showpiece was in 1998 – against none other than Brazil. The reigning champions, led by the formidable trio of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Bebeto, dashed Morocco’s hopes and secured a comfortable 3-0 win in Nantes.
Brazil, however, are under no illusions about how much has changed since then. “There is no doubt that Morocco have improved a lot,” Vinicius Júnior told the press. “They’re very well organised and capable of competing with anyone. The game has evolved, and Morocco are part of that.”
Having suffered their first-ever defeat at the hands of the Atlas Lions in a 2-1 friendly in March 2023, Brazil know that the African powerhouses have what it takes to establish themselves among the elite.
Sources: FIFA Official
