Assahafa.com
Africa’s champions, Morocco’s Atlas Lions, are opening their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a much-anticipated game against five-time trophy holder Brazil.
The game is tonight at 11 p.m. Moroccan time at the New Jersey Stadium.
Not sure where you can watch the game? Morocco’s Arryadia is airing the game alongside Telemundo and Sport TV 5, in addition to BeIN Sports Network.
While Moroccans and non-Moroccans are expected to fill the stadium, millions more will tune in from home, with many adjusting their sleep routines due to the tournament’s North American time zones.
The national team is taking to the pitch under Mohamed Ouahbi, the new head coach Morocco appointed to replace Walid Regragui, who made history with the Atlas Lions during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
On Friday, head coach Ouahbi expressed confidence in his squad, stressing that his team will remain faithful to its playing philosophy despite injury concerns.
“All the players are ready. It’s true that we had to replace two players, but everyone else is available and ready to play,” he said.
In Qatar, Morocco became the first Arab and African team to reach the semi-finals after beating contenders like Portugal and Spain.
The Atlas Lions now enter the tournament with a new spirit and new faces, including youngsters like Zakaria El Ouahdi, Neil El Aynaoui, and Bilal El Khannouss, as well as Yassine Gessime and Ayoube Amaimouni.
Morocco’s squad, however, is facing concerns over injuries sustained during the friendly game against Norway on Sunday.
Both Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Noussair Mazraoui picked up injuries during the 1-1 friendly match against Norway, leaving Moroccans frustrated as both players are key figures for Morocco.
Reports said Mazraoui returned to the training camp after taking a knock to his shoulder.
However, both Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, who left the game before halftime after suffering a knee injury, and Nayef Aguerd exited the World Cup squad.
Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) announced on Friday that Ezzalzouli cannot play the World Cup with the Atlas Lions due to his injury. It reassured supporters of the squad’s readiness for the tournament.
Morocco’s 26-man lineup now features:
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Anass Salah Eddine, Youssef Belammari, Achraf Hakimi, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Marwane Saadane, Chadi Riad, Redouane Halhal, Issa Diop.
Midfielders: Samir El Mourabet, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismaël Saibari.
Amine Sbai, Chemsdine Talbi, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Brahim Kaabi, Gessime Yassine, Ayoub Amaimouni.
What the rivals say
Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to reveal his starting XI ahead of the opener, stating that his main plan for the match is already in place.
“The changes I may make will depend on some details, but the idea is clear,” the coach said.
During his press conference ahead of the game, Ancelotti described Morocco as the toughest opponent his team will face during the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting the challenge awaiting the Seleção in their opening Group C fixture.
With injuries affecting the Moroccan squad despite reassurances from the FRMF, predicting the game’s scoreline remains difficult. Some fans expect the Atlas Lions to roar to victory, while others remain concerned about the absence of Ezzalzouli. Some are even anticipating a draw.
Earlier this week, FIFA announced the team that will referee the much-anticipated Morocco vs Brazil 2026 FIFA World Cup game.
Slovakia’s Slavko Vincic will lead the referee delegation, alongside Tomaz Klancnik, the Assistant Referee 1, and Andraz Kovacic, who are both from Slovenia.
Switzerland’s Sandro Scharer will serve as the 4th official, alongside Stephane de Almeida from Switzerland as a reserve assistant referee.
Source: Morocco word news
