NEW YORK: Brazil and Morocco are set for a high-profile Group C showdown at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with both teams entering the match on far more equal footing than in their last World Cup meeting in 1998.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi dismissed the underdog label, calling the matchup “50-50” and saying the result will come down to small details. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi echoed the confidence, saying his side believes in its system and recent progress, including their breakthrough run at Qatar 2022 and success at youth level.

Brazil, led by Vinícius Júnior, acknowledged Morocco’s rise, noting their organization and competitiveness. The two sides last met at a World Cup in 1998, when Brazil won 3-0 in France.

Morocco also defeated Brazil 2-1 in a 2023 friendly, signaling a shift in balance ahead of their latest encounter on football’s biggest stage.