Brazil begins World Cup quest against Morocco as Ancelotti makes tournament debut

Ancelotti's tournament debut

Carlo Ancelotti takes charge of Brazil for the first time at a World Cup when the five-time champions meet Morocco in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match kicks off at midnight Italian time on 14 June 2026, closing the third day of the group stage. Ancelotti, the former Milan and Real Madrid manager, is tasked with ending a 24-year wait for a sixth Brazilian title. The squad features established names such as Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Alisson.

Morocco's pedigree

Morocco arrive as African champions, having won the Cup of Nations earlier this year. They also reached the semifinals of the previous World Cup in 2022, a run that turned them into one of the tournament's most feared sides. Right-back Achraf Hakimi enters the match fresh from winning the Champions League, while attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz adds creativity from Real Madrid. The Atlas Lions are expected to offer stiff resistance under coach Walid Regragui.

Probable lineups

Brazil are set to line up with Alisson in goal behind a back four of Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes and Alex Sandro. In midfield, Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes provide a physical platform, with Lucas Paquetá pushing forward. The attacking trio should be Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha. Morocco's likely eleven is Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui; Brahim Diaz, El Khannouss, Ounahi, Saibari; El Kaabi.

How to watch

In Italy, the match will be broadcast free-to-air on Rai and streamed on DAZN. Rai's commentary team pairs Alberto Rimedio with former player Lele Adani. The coverage on Rai 1 begins at 23:35 CET with the connection from New York. DAZN offers the same fixture with the voices of Andrea Marinozzi and Christian Brocchi.

Group C context

Brazil and Morocco are part of Group C alongside Scotland and Haiti. Haiti and Scotland will play their opening match hours later at 3:00 CET. The group's first matchday will therefore be complete before dawn on 14 June.