World Cup
Atlas Lions Ready To Roar As Morocco Face Brazil In Blockbuster World Cup Opener
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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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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