Brazil Kicks Off 2026 World Cup Campaign Against Morocco at MetLife Stadium
Published June 13, 2026
Five-time champions Brazil are set to begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey with a Group C clash against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, though they will be without star forward Neymar for the opener.
Published — local time around the world
The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway, and football giants Brazil are poised to commence their campaign in Group C against Morocco. The fixture, scheduled for a Sunday kick-off, will take place at the iconic MetLife Stadium, one of the 16 venues across the USA, Canada, and Mexico hosting matches. Brazil, widely considered among the favourites for the tournament, will be eager to secure a strong start as they chase their first World Cup title since 2002.
However, the Seleção will face their opening challenge without key player Neymar. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that the prolific forward is not yet match-fit and will miss the Group C encounter. Brazil shares its group with Haiti and Scotland, making a winning start crucial for momentum. Historically, Brazil boasts an impressive record in World Cup openers, remaining unbeaten in their last 20 starting matches dating back to 1934, with 17 victories to their name.
Their opponents, Morocco, arrive at the 2026 tournament following a memorable run in the 2022 World Cup, where they famously defeated Portugal in the quarter-finals before bowing out to eventual finalists France. The Atlas Lions will be looking to replicate, or even surpass, that historic performance. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 AM IST, bringing early morning football action to fans in India.