When Brazil steps onto the field at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this Saturday for its Copa América opener against Morocco, the lineup will raise eyebrows. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has made several surprise decisions — including leaving Neymar on the bench with no intention of using him, sources close to the squad confirm.
Ancelotti’s Bold Choices
The biggest shock? Full-backs Ibañez and Douglas Santos get the nod over more expected options. According to reports from Brazil’s camp, Ancelotti valued their defensive stability against Morocco’s pace on the wings. Meanwhile, Wesley’s injury opened the door for Éderson to join the squad, but the midfield battle was never in doubt — Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães start together.
Up front, the competition between Matheus Cunha and Igor Thiago ended with the Brentford forward earning the starting spot. Igor Thiago will line up alongside Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha in attack. Fans online noted the absence of a traditional No. 9, with Ancelotti opting for mobility over pure target-man play.
The Full Brazil XI
Alisson starts in goal behind a back four of Ibañez, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Douglas Santos. Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães anchor the midfield, with Lucas Paquetá ahead of them. Igor Thiago, Vinícius Jr., and Raphinha round out the attack.
Neymar will be available off the bench but is not expected to see the field, per team sources. The team has not officially explained the decision, though speculation points to fitness management and tactical preference for a more direct attacking threat.
Morocco’s Challenge Under New Leadership
Morocco enters the match with a new head coach. Mohamed Ouahbi took over in March after Walid Regragui — who guided the Atlas Lions to a historic World Cup semifinal run in 2022 — stepped down. Ouahbi already has a significant achievement on his résumé: leading Morocco’s U-20 team to a World Cup title last year. But this senior-level test against Brazil marks the biggest challenge of his young tenure.
Making matters tougher, Ouahbi lost two key starters late in preparations. Center-back Nayef Aguerd and winger Abde Ezzalzouli were ruled out due to injury. Ezzalzouli, in particular, was expected to be a focal point after a strong season alongside Antony at Real Betis. Full-back Noussair Mazraoui was questionable with a dislocated shoulder but recovered to start.
Morocco’s spine remains strong with Bono in goal and Achraf Hakimi anchoring the right flank. Ismael Saibari leads the attack, supported by the creative trio of Brahim Díaz, Bilal El Khanouss, and Azzedine Ounahi. The lineup: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Chadi Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Brahim Díaz, El Khanouss, Ounahi; Saibari.
What’s at Stake
Group C is tight, and a win here separates the contenders from the pretenders. For Brazil, this is about proving Ancelotti’s formula works without relying on Neymar. For Morocco, it’s about showing last World Cup’s run wasn’t a fluke. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Brasília time, with coverage across TV Globo, SporTV, ge, Cazé TV, and SBT. Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will officiate.
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