World Cup 2026: Brazilian media anticipate tough clash with Morocco

The Morocco-Brazil game in the first round of Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for Saturday at 11 p.m., is already making headlines in Brazilian media as a tough clash, recalling Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Brazilian outlet 30 Anos UOL described Morocco as a strong team and Brazil’s toughest opponent in the first phase of the World Cup.

The outlet said that Atlas Lions winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s withdrawal from the tournament due to a knee injury sustained during Morocco’s friendly against Norway provides some relief for Brazil, although it is a major setback for the Moroccan national team.

Without him, it added, Morocco would “lose some of the unpredictability they have always had when attacking down the left flank.”

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized that even a “half a goal to zero” win against Morocco would already be a good result for his national team.

Still, he said he believes Brazil will beat Morocco in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil’s Exame said that the Atlas Lions could be a stumbling block for the Brazilian national team, Seleção, stressing that Morocco is no ordinary opponent for them.

The outlet also recalled the two teams’ last meeting in 2023, when Morocco won 2-1 in Tangier, and pointed to the Atlas Lions’ victories over giants like Portugal, Belgium, and Spain at the 2022 World Cup.

In a separate article, the outlet called the Morocco-Brazil match the toughest game of the World Cup group stage.

It highlighted that the Atlas Lions arrive at the tournament unbeaten in 29 games, with 23 wins and six draws, and have the second-best defense in the world in terms of average goals conceded since 2023.

It added that Brazil’s attack is expected to face a defense considered one of the “most solid in the tournament.”