Football fans are in for a treat as Brazil face Morocco in a highly anticipated match at 2:00 a.m. UAE time on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New York, in Group 3 of the 2026 World Cup.
Morocco have established themselves as a rising force on the world stage, particularly after reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Since the start of 2022, the Atlas Lions have recorded 33 wins, 10 draws and just 2 defeats in 45 matches, and currently rank 7th in the world — ahead of major footballing nations such as Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
However, Morocco enter the tournament with a number of question marks, following the departure of coach Walid Regragui months before the World Cup kicked off. Mohammed Wahbi has since taken charge of the team, while some players are also dealing with injuries and defensive line issues.
Predictions
Sports Mole predicts a 3-1 victory for Brazil, arguing that Carlo Ancelotti's experience and the Seleção's attacking assets give them the edge.
Indian outlet Sports Keeda also tips Brazil to win 2-1, noting that the Brazilian side has become more disciplined under Ancelotti, despite their friendly defeat to Morocco in 2023.
Sports Illustrated likewise predicts a 2-1 Brazil win, citing the Seleção's strong record in World Cup opening matches — they have lost just one opening game in their entire history.
The Opta supercomputer gives Brazil a 57.7% chance of winning, compared to 18.8% for Morocco, with the probability of a draw standing at 23.5%.
Opta is a global company specialising in the collection and analysis of sports statistics, and is one of the leading data providers in football and other sports. Founded in Britain in 1996, it supplies precise figures and statistics used by clubs, sporting associations, media outlets and broadcasting companies.
Expected line-ups
Brazil are expected to line up with: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães; Rodrygo, Lucas Paquetá, Vinícius Júnior; and Matheus Cunha.
Morocco are expected to field: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Diop, Riyad, Noussair Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Ibrahim Diaz, Ounahi, El Khanouss; and Saïbari.
Notable absences
Morocco: The Atlas Lions enter the match without winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, who is sidelined through injury.
Brazil: Star forward Neymar Júnior is absent from the Seleção squad coached by Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti due to a calf injury.
Group 3
Group 3 also includes Haiti and Scotland, alongside Morocco and Brazil. The two sides will face each other at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Broadcast channels
The match will be broadcast on beIN Sports, which holds the rights to the 2026 World Cup.
The network has allocated the beIN 4K HDR, beIN Max 2 and beIN Max 4 channels to carry the match, with commentary from Jawad Badda and Ali Said Al Kaabi.
Online streaming
The Morocco vs Brazil 2026 World Cup match can also be watched online via the TOD app.