Brazil begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a highly anticipated Group C clash against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday. As fans prepare for one of the most exciting matches of the opening round, much of the attention is focused on the fitness of Brazil superstar Neymar and the injury concerns affecting both squads.
Will Neymar Play Against Morocco Today?
The biggest news for Brazil supporters is that Neymar has officially been ruled out of the World Cup opener against Morocco. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the veteran forward is still recovering from a calf injury and has not yet returned to full team training.
According to Ancelotti, Neymar is making progress in his rehabilitation program, but the medical staff have decided not to take any risks with the country’s all-time leading scorer. The Brazilian star is expected to resume training with the squad next week, which puts his availability for Brazil’s second group-stage match against Haiti in doubt.
Neymar’s absence is a significant setback for Brazil. The 34-year-old has scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances and remains one of the most experienced players in the squad. If he recovers in time, this tournament could mark his fourth FIFA World Cup appearance after representing Brazil in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Ancelotti praised Neymar’s commitment during recovery, highlighting the forward’s leadership and influence within a young Brazilian squad.
Brazil Injury Report
Brazil have several notable injury concerns heading into the match against Morocco.
Out Injured
- Neymar (Calf)
- Wesley (Muscle Injury)
In addition, several players who could have been important options for Brazil’s World Cup squad are unavailable due to injuries, including Rodrygo, Estevao, Eder Militao, and Wesley.
Despite these absences, Brazil still possess tremendous quality throughout the squad and remain among the favorites to win the tournament.
Predicted Brazil Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Defenders: Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro
Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes
Attacking Midfielders: Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Junior
Forward: Matheus Cunha
Vinicius Junior is expected to carry much of Brazil’s attacking threat, while Raphinha and Paqueta will provide creativity behind Cunha.
Morocco Injury News
Morocco also enter the match with important injury concerns of their own.
Out Injured
- Nayef Aguerd (Groin)
- Abde Ezzalzouli (Knee)
Both players suffered injuries during Morocco’s final warm-up match before the tournament. To compensate for the losses, Morocco have called up Amine Sbai and Marwane Saadane as replacements.
Doubtful
- Noussair Mazraoui (Shoulder)
Mazraoui remains a fitness concern and will be assessed before kickoff. His availability could play a major role in Morocco’s defensive setup against Brazil’s dangerous attacking players.
Predicted Morocco Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui
Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Ounahi
Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss
Morocco will rely on their organized defensive structure and quick counterattacks as they attempt to frustrate one of the tournament favorites.
Match Outlook
While Neymar’s absence is undoubtedly a major storyline, Brazil still possess enough depth and attacking talent to challenge Morocco. Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Bruno Guimaraes are expected to play key roles as Brazil look to start their World Cup journey with three points.
Morocco, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after their impressive performances on the international stage in recent years. However, injuries to key players such as Aguerd and Ezzalzouli could make their task more difficult.
With both teams managing important injury concerns, Saturday’s Group C encounter promises to be a fascinating battle at MetLife Stadium as the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to deliver high-stakes football action.