Brazil vs Morocco World Cup: Neymar out, teams prepare for Group C clash
Brazil face Morocco in the 2026 World Cup Group C on Saturday, with Neymar ruled out due to a calf injury. Both teams have injury and form concerns, with Brazil slight favorites according to predictions.
Match Details
On Saturday, record five-time champions Brazil take on African giants Morocco in a key Group C match of the 2026 World Cup. The game will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, kicking off at 6:00 PM local time (22:00 GMT).
Neymar Absent
Brazil's all-time leading scorer Neymar (79 goals) will miss the match due to a calf injury, with his return uncertain. Additionally, Rodrygo, Estevao, Eder Militao, and Wesley are all injured and not in the squad. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a challenge after a chaotic qualifying campaign and recent quarterfinal exits.
Brazil's Situation
Brazil arrives with subdued expectations, having not won the World Cup since 2002. Goalkeeper Alisson noted that doubts about the team can be positive, referencing past Brazilian sides that triumphed despite not being favorites. The squad still boasts stars like Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Marquinhos, and Matheus Cunha.
Morocco's Prospects
Morocco, the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semifinal (in 2022), features talents like Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz. However, they have had their own disruptions: losing the Africa Cup of Nations final to Senegal (later awarded the title controversially), and coach Walid Regragui quitting three months before the tournament. New coach Mohamed Ouahbi takes over. Injuries also hit Morocco: Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli are out, replaced by Amine Sbai and Marwane Saadane.
Predictions and History
According to Opta Analyst, Brazil has a 57.7% chance to win, Morocco 18.8%, and a draw 23.5%. Brazil leads the head-to-head with two wins to Morocco's one. Their last World Cup meeting was in 1998, a 3-0 Brazil win. However, Morocco won their most recent friendly in 2023, 2-1.
How to Watch
In Brazil, the match airs on SBT, GETV, Globoplay, sportv, NSPORTS, Caze TV, and TV Globo. In Morocco, on beIN SPORTS Max 2 and 4. UK viewers can watch on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, ITV, and STV. US viewers on FOX, Telemundo, FOX One, and Peacock.
