Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency from new Jersey Stadium, New York: Five-time world champions Brazil will play against Morocco in their first match of the 2026 World Cup. Despite being the opponent, the Seleção is ahead on paper. However, the team will not get star forward Neymar in the first match. Igor Thiago can be seen as the main striker in the possible XI. Vinicius Junior, Rafinha and Lucas Paqueta will attack behind him. Bruno Guimarães will pair up with the experienced Casemiro in midfield. Marquinhos, Gabriel, Danilo and Douglas will be in defense.
Alisson Becker is the name of hope behind the goal. On the other hand, Morocco is also suffering from injury problems before the first match. One of the team's most reliable center-backs, Nayef Aguirre, is out of the XI due to injury. Issa Diop and Chadi Riyad can play in defense instead.
There is also uncertainty about the performance of Nousair Mazraoui. Aj Abdeh has been ruled out of the entire group stage due to a knee injury. However, Morocco is confident despite the injury problems in the team. They made history by becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals by defeating Spain and Portugal in the 2022 World Cup. The Atlas Lions will enter the field with the aim of maintaining that consistency this time too.
The match could be very competitive considering the strength and ability of the two teams. Both Brazil and Morocco are desperate to start their journey with a win in their first match of the World Cup. Brazil's possible starting XI:
Alisson, Wesley, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro, Guimaraes, Casemiro, Luiz Henrique, Rafinha, Vinicius Junior, Cunha.
Morocco's probable XI: Bounou, Hakimi, Diop, Riyad, Mazraoui, Bouyaddi, Onahi, Diaz, El Khannos, Ezzaljouli, Sibery.