Morocco open World Cup against Brazil amid injury sweat

Brazil await under the MetLife lights

Morocco's World Cup campaign begins against Brazil tonight in Group C at MetLife Stadium (1) (2). The Atlas Lions, semifinalists four years ago, walk into their opener carrying both ambition and uncertainty. Walid Regragui's side drew 1–1 with Norway in their final tune-up friendly, Brahim Díaz scored but injuries to Noussair Mazraoui and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli left the camp sweating (1) (2). Both full-back and attacker were forced off early, and their availability against Brazil shapes everything about how Morocco approach this match.

Boussaboun: keep expectations in check

Former Morocco international Ali Boussaboun has urged caution ahead of the Brazil clash, pointing to the gap between tournament hype and on-pitch reality (2). The analyst highlighted Ismael Saibari as a key figure but warned that the squad's ceiling may not match the quarterfinal target set by the federation. The message: enjoy the ride, but don't mistake 2022's magic for a guarantee.

The scandal that won't fade

Morocco's Africa Cup of Nations triumph is being called the 'title of shame' in the German press ahead of the World Cup (4). The controversy, stemming from officiating and off-pitch drama during that run, continues to shadow Regragui's side. For a team trying to build a global reputation, it's baggage they didn't need before facing Brazil.

Brazil carrying their own chaos

German outlet t-online reports that Brazil's squad contains two 'ticking time bombs' ahead of the Morocco match (5). Details are sparse, but the suggestion is internal instability, selection tensions or disciplinary risks that could crack under tournament pressure. For Morocco, facing a Brazil side that might not have its house in order is exactly the kind of opening this group needs.

Fan reactions

The mood among Morocco supporters on Reddit is a swirl of anxiety and nostalgia. One detailed post frames the moment as a collision of injury crisis, tactical reinvention under Regragui, and the long shadow of the 1998 meeting between these two sides. Read the full fan breakdown here. Another thread simply throws back to that 1998 encounter, a reminder of how far Morocco have come, and how little the Brazilian challenge changes. Relive the memories.