What Time Is 🇧🇷 Brazil Playing?

No nation carries more weight into a World Cup than Brazil. Five titles — 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002 — more than any other country in history. And uniquely, they have qualified for every single World Cup since the first one in 1930. Not once have they missed it. That kind of consistency over nearly a century of football is something no other nation can claim. Under legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil arrive at 2026 with a squad built around Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Rodrygo — three of the most devastating forwards in world football. Behind them, Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães control midfield, while Éder Militão anchors a defence that is as solid as any in the tournament. This is a squad built to win.

Brazil's first game is arguably the most anticipated match of the entire group stage. On June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — the same stadium that will host the World Cup Final — Brazil face Morocco. This is no warm-up act. Morocco became the first African nation in history to reach a World Cup semifinal at Qatar 2022, built on suffocating defensive organization, ferocious pressing, and the brilliance of Achraf Hakimi. Brazil will be the favorites, but Morocco will not roll over. A Brazil win here sets the tone for the entire group. A draw or worse and suddenly Group C gets very interesting.

Brazil should top this group — I'd be very surprised if they didn't. The real contest is for second place, and that's where Morocco come in as my pick. They've already shown at Qatar 2022 that they can go deep in a tournament and they won't be intimidated by the Brazil opener. Scotland are a decent side and will be competitive, but I think Morocco edge them for second. The Caribbean in me is rooting for Haiti but they are the clear underdogs here.

My prediction: Brazil first, Morocco second — and both with something to prove in the knockout rounds.