It is often said the World Cup does not start until Brazil make their entrance so there will be plenty of interest as the five-time champions take on Morocco in New Jersey tonight.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side endured a disappointing qualification campaign but still advanced to maintain their record of having played in every edition of the global showpiece.
They could have asked for an easier opening as they face African champions Morocco at MetLife Stadium.
The Atlas Lions are seventh in the world rankings, just one place behind Brazil, and reached the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago.
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Where to watch Brazil v Morocco: TV and online streams
Brazil versus Morocco kicks off on Saturday night at 11pm UK time. You can watch it on BBC 1 and stream via the iPlayer.
Click HERE for a full World Cup TV guide
Stats for Brazil v Morocco
- Brazil are the only team to have taken part in every single World Cup since its original editionin 1930 – this will be their 23rd appearance. They have won the World Cup more than any other team (five) and have the best win rate in the tournament’s history (67% – 76 wins in 114 matches).
- Brazil’s last World Cup triumph came in 2002. Since then, they have gone five consecutive tournaments without lifting the trophy; it’s their joint-longest run without winning the tournament along with 1930 – 1954 and 1974 – 1990.
- Brazil have topped their first round group in every World Cup edition since 1982. They are also unbeaten in their last 20 World Cup opening matches, with 17 wins and three draws – their last defeat in an opener came in 1934, against Spain (1-3).
- Brazil’s fifth-place finish in Conmebol qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, with an average of just 1.3 goals per game (24 goals in 18 matches), marks their worst performance since the qualification format was introduced 30 years ago.
- Morocco’s fourth-place in 2022 marked the highest finish by an African nation in World Cup history They kept four clean sheets, more than across their previous 16 matches in the competition (three).
- Morocco were the only team in CAF qualifying to win all of their 202 World Cup qualifiers finishing with eight wins from eight games.
- Mohamed Ouahbi will be Morocco’s head coach at the 2026 World Cup, replacing Walid Regragui; he led the U20 side at the 2025 U20 World Cup, beating Argentina 2-0 in the final in Santiago, Chile.
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