Morocco will launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Saturday with a mouth-watering Group C clash against five-time champions Brazil, as the Atlas Lions seek to build on their historic achievements in Qatar four years ago.

The North Africans arrive in North America determined to prove that their remarkable run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup was no one-off feat. Having become the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of a World Cup, Morocco now carry the hopes of a continent eager for another memorable campaign.

While Brazil continue their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title, the South Americans enter the tournament under pressure and weakened by a series of injuries that have disrupted coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.

The Brazilian side has undergone significant changes in recent years, with Ancelotti taking charge after a turbulent period that saw the Selecao go through four managers in three years. Injuries have further complicated matters, ruling out key players including Rodrygo, Estevao, Eder Militao and Wesley, while Neymar remains unavailable for the opening match as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.

Morocco, meanwhile, have established themselves as one of world football’s emerging powers. The squad boasts a strong core of players competing at the highest levels in Europe, many of whom were instrumental in the team’s historic exploits in Qatar, where they eliminated both Spain and Portugal before eventually falling to France in the semi-finals.

The Atlas Lions have, however, experienced their own period of transition ahead of the tournament. Earlier this year, Morocco endured the disappointment of losing the Africa Cup of Nations final to Senegal on home soil, although they were subsequently awarded the title following the controversial abandonment of the match after Senegal’s protest against a penalty decision.

Another major change came with the departure of long-serving coach Walid Regragui just three months before the World Cup. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation turned to Mohamed Ouahbi, the Belgian-born tactician who guided Morocco’s Under-20 team to FIFA World Cup glory in Chile last year.

Ouahbi now faces his biggest challenge yet as he prepares to lead the senior national team against one of football’s most decorated nations.

Morocco’s preparations have not been entirely smooth. Defender Nayef Aguerd and winger Abde Ezzalzouli were ruled out of the 26-man World Cup squad after suffering injuries during the team’s final warm-up match against Norway.

Despite those setbacks, confidence remains high within the Moroccan camp. The Atlas Lions have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to compete with, and defeat, football’s traditional giants, and Saturday’s encounter offers another opportunity to underline their growing status on the global stage.

Brazil still possess formidable quality, particularly in attack, where Vinicius Junior will be expected to carry much of the creative burden. Yet the injury concerns and ongoing rebuilding process surrounding the South Americans could present Morocco with a golden opportunity to begin their campaign with a statement result.

For Morocco, this is more than just an opening fixture. It is a chance to confirm that the Qatar fairy tale was the beginning of a new era rather than an isolated achievement.

As the world watches in anticipation, the Atlas Lions stand ready to write another chapter in Morocco’s remarkable football story.

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Co-hosts Mexico made a winning start to the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match at a packed Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday.

Roared on by a passionate home crowd, El Tri seized control early and never looked back as they claimed the first victory of the expanded 48-team World Cup.

Julian Quiñones gave the hosts the perfect start, opening the scoring in the ninth minute to send the capacity crowd into celebration. Mexico dominated possession and created the better opportunities throughout the first half, while South Africa struggled to establish any rhythm.

The task became even more difficult for Bafana Bafana early in the second half when they were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of midfielder Sithole in the 50th minute. Mexico took full advantage of their numerical superiority and continued to pile pressure on the South African defence.

Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez eventually doubled Mexico’s lead in the 67th minute, scoring his first-ever World Cup goal to effectively seal the contest. The goal sparked another wave of celebrations among the home supporters, who sensed their team was on course for an important opening victory.

South Africa’s frustrations deepened late in the match when they were reduced to nine players after a second red card, this time to Zwane, whose dismissal followed a VAR review.

The result marked a significant moment for Mexico, who had entered the tournament seeking their first victory in a World Cup opening match. It also avenged the disappointment of the 1-1 draw the two nations played out in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, exactly 16 years earlier.

For South Africa, the defeat is an early setback in Group A, which also includes South Korea and Czechia. Hugo Broos’ side will now need positive results in their remaining group matches to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Mexico, meanwhile, move to the top of Group A and have given their home fans every reason to believe they can make a deep run in a tournament being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

German players have stepped up to ease fans’ pain from soaring transport costs at the World Cup, offering ​to pay for 600 of them to travel ‌by bus to their last Group E game against Ecuador in New Jersey on June 25, media reports said.

City authorities hiked rail and ​bus fares from New York to the MetLife ​Stadium in New Jersey by several times citing ⁠increased pressure on the public transit systems.

That triggered a backlash ​from fans who have already paid high prices for match tickets.

“In ​light of the high cost of bus and train travel in New York during the World Cup, the German national team players ​have organised free transport to the final group match ​for 600 fans,” the BBC quoted the German Football Association as ‌saying.

“Captain ⁠Joshua Kimmich and his teammates are covering the cost of buses to take supporters from New York to the arena in New Jersey for the match against Ecuador.”

Reuters could ​not immediately ​confirm the ⁠statement.

A round trip to the stadium by train, which usually costs $12.90, has been set at $98 during ​World Cup games, down from the originally proposed $150 ​fare ⁠after NJ Transit faced heavy criticism.

Shuttle buses will cost $20, down from the initial $80 price tag.

Transport was free for fans at ⁠the ​last two World Cups in Russia ​and Qatar.

Four-time champions Germany will begin their campaign in Houston against Curacao on ​SundaY.

-Reuters

 

 

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