Brazil’s road to a sixth World Cup title begins against Morocco

Brazil begins its latest World Cup journey on one of the tournament’s biggest stages, but unlike in years past, the Seleção arrives without the burden of being considered the favorite. This is still Brazil’s tournament, though, and as the famous song says: “Aqui é o Brasil.” In other words, you can never count them out. Ever.

Morocco will provide the first test on Brazil’s long-awaited quest for the Hexa, the sixth World Cup star that has remained frustratingly out of reach for more than two decades (follow Brazil vs Morocco live on AS USA).

The road to this World Cup has not been straightforward. Three coaches, Ramon Menezes, Fernando Diniz and Dorival Júnior, passed through the Brazil job with little success after Tite stepped down following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Three years without a clear direction left the Seleção under heavy scrutiny.

Then came Carlo Ancelotti.

A proven winner. A living legend. He has rebuilt the sense of family around the national team, and confidence could hardly be higher. MetLife Stadium, the venue for the World Cup final, will ultimately be the measuring stick. Time will tell whether Brazil’s journey both begins and ends there on July 19.

‘Bate no peito’

Brazil has an opportunity to reassert itself on the world stage. As the slogan of this World Cup suggests, it is time to beat your chest and step forward.

The talent is unquestionable. Few national teams can boast a genuine superstar in virtually every area of the field, along with a dream attacking unit led by Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha, plus a player many see as Neymar’s heir.

That player, Endrick, will not feature until Brazil’s final group-stage game against Scotland as he continues recovering from injury.

Over recent weeks, Ancelotti has largely settled on his preferred starting lineup. Only one major question remains and is likely to be answered during the tournament itself: who will lead the line?

Three players are competing for the No. 9 role, and each has a strong case: Matheus Cunha, Igor Thiago and Endrick. The striker from Taguatinga currently appears slightly behind the others in the pecking order, but opportunities will come. Against Morocco, however, he is not expected to start, with the position set to go to Manchester United’s No. 10.

Atlas Lions hungry for revenge

Waiting on the other side is Africa’s standard-bearer. The side who were awarded the AFCON title after Senegal’s walk off in the final in January this year, though Senegal are appealing.

Morocco’s recruitment operation has been nothing short of exceptional. Not only do the Atlas Lions boast stars such as Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz, but they can also claim one of the most effective talent-identification networks on the continent.

The evidence is clear: Bilal El Khannouss, developed in Belgium; Samir El Mourabet, from France; Ayyoub Bouaddi, also from France; and, of course, Hakimi and Brahim themselves, both players with ties to Spain who ultimately chose Morocco.

The Moroccans however do not arrive in peak condition. Following the sudden departure of Walid Regragui in March, Mohamed Ouahbi took over after guiding Morocco at the U-20 World Cup. He represents continuity and is closely aligned with the long-term project being developed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

The team has already suffered significant setbacks with injuries to Abde Ezzalzouli and Nayef Aguerd.

But the world knows Morocco now. There is no element of surprise anymore. Opponents respect them and fear them.

And if the traditional favorites stumble, Morocco hopes to do something unprecedented: bring the World Cup to Africa.

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