Brazil vs. Morocco Predicted Starting Lineups: Starting 11 For Group C Opening Match

By Brad Szalach | Jun 13, 2026, 10:45am

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues Thursday as Brazil and Morocco square off in a highly anticipated matchup featuring two teams with ambitions of making a deep run in the tournament.

Brazil enter the contest as one of the favorites to lift the trophy, boasting a squad filled with world-class talent across every position. Morocco, meanwhile, arrive with plenty of confidence after their recent success on the international stage and will look to prove they can compete with another global powerhouse.

With both teams possessing quality throughout the lineup and valuable group-stage points on the line, this matchup could have a significant impact on the race to advance from the group.

Brazil Predicted Starting Lineup

Brazil are expected to deploy an attack-minded formation built around a blend of experienced veterans and dynamic attacking stars. Alisson is projected to start in goal behind a back four consisting of Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, and Alex Sandro.

In midfield, Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães should provide defensive stability and ball progression, giving Brazil a strong foundation in possession while helping protect the back line. Their ability to control the tempo of the game will be crucial against Morocco’s energetic midfield.

Further forward, Lucas Paquetá, Raphinha, and Vinícius Júnior are expected to operate behind striker Matheus Cunha. Vinícius remains one of the most dangerous attackers in world football thanks to his pace and creativity, while Raphinha and Paquetá offer additional playmaking quality in the final third.

GK: Alisson
RB: Danilo
CB: Marquinhos
CB: Gabriel
LB: Alex Sandro
CM: Casemiro
CM: Bruno Guimarães
RW: Lucas Paquetá
AM: Raphinha
LW: Vinícius Júnior
ST: Matheus Cunha

Morocco Predicted Starting Lineup

Morocco are expected to line up in a balanced system that combines defensive discipline with technical quality throughout the midfield and attack.

Bono should start between the posts behind a back four of Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, and Noussair Mazraoui. The defensive unit offers a combination of experience, athleticism, and ball-playing ability that has helped Morocco become one of the toughest teams to break down on the international stage.

In midfield, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui are projected to anchor the center of the pitch, while Brahim Díaz and Bilal El Khannouss provide creativity from wide areas. Azzedine Ounahi is expected to operate in a more advanced role, helping connect midfield to attack and create opportunities in dangerous positions.

Leading the line will be Ismael Saibari, whose versatility and technical skill give Morocco another dangerous option in the attacking third.

GK: Bono
RB: Achraf Hakimi
CB: Issa Diop
CB: Chadi Riad
LB: Noussair Mazraoui
CM: Ayyoub Bouaddi
CM: Neil El Aynaoui
RW: Brahim Díaz
AM: Azzedine Ounahi
LW: Bilal El Khannouss
ST: Ismael Saibari

Team News & Key Absences

Neither side is expected to be dealing with major injury concerns heading into the matchup, allowing both managers to field lineups close to full strength.

Brazil will lean on the leadership and experience of players such as Casemiro, Marquinhos, and Alisson, while Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha are expected to provide much of the team’s attacking threat. Morocco, meanwhile, will look to established stars including Hakimi, Bono, and Ounahi to guide the team through one of its toughest group-stage tests.

With both squads expected to have most of their preferred starters available, execution and discipline could prove decisive.

Match Outlook & Resources

Brazil enter the match as favorites thanks to their depth, technical quality, and attacking talent. Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Paquetá give the Seleção multiple ways to create scoring opportunities, while Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães provide control and balance in midfield.

Morocco, however, have shown they are capable of competing with elite opponents. Their defensive organization, combined with the attacking creativity of Díaz, Ounahi, and El Khannouss, gives them the tools to challenge Brazil and threaten on the counterattack.

With both teams aiming to secure valuable points and strengthen their position in the group, expect an entertaining contest where individual brilliance and tactical execution could ultimately determine the outcome.

Brazil vs. Morocco World Cup Match Betting Resources

AP Images/Bruna Prado

Brad Szalach

Brad Szalach is the Content Lead for LegalSportsReport and Lineups, where he oversees strategy and production of sports betting, iGaming, and evergreen content. He previously managed editorial teams at PlayUSA and VegasInsider, building expertise in SEO-driven and revenue-focused content. Brad can be reached at brad.szalach@catenamedia.com.