The five-time world champions step onto the field at MetLife Stadium on Saturday night with a familiar problem: their biggest star is watching from the sideline. Neymar, still nursing a calf issue that sidelined him during Brazil’s final warm-up against Egypt, will miss the Group C opener against Morocco. It’s a blow that raises real questions about how deep this squad can go without its talisman.
A Historic First for Brazil
Carlo Ancelotti becomes the first foreign manager to lead Brazil’s men’s national team. The Italian tactician inherits a side expected to top Group C—a group that also includes Scotland and Haiti. But Morocco, the reigning African Cup of Nations champions, won’t be an easy first test.
The Atlas Lions arrive in New Jersey with serious momentum. They’re unbeaten in six matches overall and beat Brazil 2-1 in a friendly back in June 2023. That result in Tangier still lingers. Morocco also made history four years ago in Qatar, becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal after knocking out Portugal 1-0.
What Brazil Brings—and What They’re Missing
Brazil’s record is undeniable: they’re the only nation to appear in every World Cup since 1930. Ancelotti’s team has won its last three friendlies against Croatia, Panama, and Egypt, and have won seven of their last eight World Cup matches against African opponents. The last time these two sides met in a World Cup group stage—France 1998—Brazil cruised 3-0, with Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Bebeto all scoring.
But the 2022 quarterfinal exit to Croatia on penalties still stings. Without Neymar, the creative burden falls on others. Manchester United’s new £35 million signing Ederson—called up late and playing in just his fourth match at 26—could feature. He’ll want to impress his incoming club manager Michael Carrick after leaving Atalanta.
Morocco’s Missing Pieces
Morocco’s squad also has holes. Forward Youssef En-Neseyri, the hero of that 2022 quarterfinal with a towering header against Portugal, was not selected for this World Cup. PSV Eindhoven’s Ismael Saibari is expected to lead the line. Defender Nayef Aguerd is out with a groin injury, and Abde Ezzalzouli won’t play due to a knee issue. Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui faces a late fitness test for a shoulder problem.
Still, Morocco enters this match ranked seventh in the world after winning 33 of their 45 matches since 2023. They’ve got depth, belief, and a recent win over Brazil to draw confidence from.
Kickoff is set for 11 p.m. BST (6 p.m. ET), with coverage on BBC One, iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website. For Brazil, the question is simple: can they start strong without their injured star, or will Morocco prove again that this tournament’s giants are vulnerable?
Leave a Comment