Brazil will kick off its World Cup campaign Saturday night at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey without its talisman. Neymar, the nation’s all-time leading scorer, is officially listed on the bench but will not see a single minute of action against Morocco in Group C play. The decision, according to team sources, is purely precautionary — a calculated move by manager Carlo Ancelotti to preserve the 34-year-old for the tougher matches ahead.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Brasília time (6 p.m. ET). Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will officiate. The match will air across Globo, SporTV, ge, Cazé TV, and SBT.
Ancelotti’s lineup choices have already sparked debate. Against expectations, the Italian tactician is rolling with Roger Ibañez and Douglas Santos at fullback — a decision that prioritizes defensive solidity over attacking width. The bigger surprise came up front, where Brentford striker Igor Thiago won the starting spot over Matheus Cunha, the forward many analysts assumed would get the nod.
The Seleção also lost winger Wesley to injury before the tournament, which opened the door for Éderson to join the squad. The midfielder’s inclusion adds control in the middle, but it does little to address the absence of Neymar’s creative spark.
For Morocco, the road has been equally bumpy. Manager Mohamed Ouahbi — who took over in March after Walid Regragui stepped down — enters the biggest test of his young coaching career. Ouahbi already has a World Cup title on his résumé: he led Morocco’s U-20 side to the trophy last year. But Saturday will be his first senior-level match of this magnitude, and he’s without two key starters. Center-back Nayef Aguerd and winger Abde Ezzalzouli were both ruled out in the final days of prep.
Ezzalzouli’s absence stings the most. The 23-year-old was expected to be Morocco’s breakout star after a strong season alongside Antony at Real Betis. Left back Noussair Mazraoui was a doubt with a dislocated shoulder but recovered in time to start.
Morocco will lean on its spine: goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Bono), right back Achraf Hakimi, and midfielder Ismael Saibari. The Atlas Lions’ expected XI reads: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Chadi Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Brahim Díaz, El Khanouss, Ounahi; Saibari.
The opening Group C clash carries weight for both sides. Brazil needs three points to set the tone, but it’s doing so without its star. Morocco aims to build on the 2022 semifinal run under new leadership — and with a few key pieces missing.
One thing is clear: this opener doesn’t look anything like the pre-tournament script. And that’s what makes it worth watching.
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