Neymar and Rodrygo out as Brazil open World Cup against Morocco

Neymar and Rodrygo out, Vinicius Jr steps up

Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign Saturday against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, but they do it without two of their biggest stars.

Neymar has been ruled out of the opener with a calf injury. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the decision, telling reporters: "He's working hard to get fit as quickly as possible. We hope he can return to full training next week." (2)

Rodrygo is an even bigger blow, the Real Madrid forward will miss the entire tournament with a knee injury. He still traveled to the US to support the squad. "Watching the squad presentation knowing I wasn't in it was tough, but I have high hopes with Carlo Ancelotti in charge," Rodrygo said. (1)

That leaves Vinicius Jr as Brazil's main attacking threat, and he sounds ready. "I'm at the most special and important moment of my career. I'm at the physical and technical level I've always dreamed of," he said ahead of the Morocco match. (4)

Ancelotti is not taking Morocco lightly. "Da igual si son campeones o subcampeones de África, son muy fuertes," he told Argentine outlet Olé, it doesn't matter if they're African champions or runners-up, they're very strong. (7)

Morocco right-back Hakimi echoed that confidence: "I believe that in a match like this, there is no favoritism. We know the quality of both teams." (6)

Brazil are in Group C and chasing a sixth World Cup title. The road starts now, but it starts without the full arsenal.

Fan reactions

Brazilian fans have taken over Times Square ahead of the opener. An organized group gathered in Manhattan, and Brazil's largest TV network is broadcasting its main news program live from the scene. Meanwhile, Hakimi's comments calling Morocco the "Brazil of Africa" have r/soccer buzzing, plenty of respect flowing both ways between the two fanbases before kickoff.

Lots of Brazilians in Times Square