FIFA has framed Morocco’s World Cup opener against Brazil as a meeting shaped by how far the Atlas Lions have moved since the teams last met at the tournament in 1998.
In a preview of the Group C match at New York/New Jersey Stadium, football’s world governing body recalled Brazil’s 3-0 win in Nantes 28 years ago, but said the context has changed sharply.
Morocco now enter the fixture as the first African and Arab team to have reached a World Cup semi-final, after their 2022 run in Qatar, and with a 2-1 friendly win over Brazil in Tangier in 2023.
FIFA highlighted Achraf Hakimi’s view that the match is close and likely to be decided by small details. It also cited Vinicius Junior’s praise for Morocco’s development, with the Brazil forward saying the Atlas Lions are now able to compete with any team.
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