Carlo Ancelotti describes Morocco as a 'great team' and their toughest rival in World Cup group

The North African side will begin their tournament with a Group C match against the five-time world champions at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, 13th June.

Morocco will be making their seventh appearance on the global stage (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022 and 2026). Their greatest success came at Qatar 2022, when they became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, eventually finishing fourth.

The Atlas Lions went unbeaten in the group stage, knocked out Spain on penalties, and beat Portugal in the quarter-finals to reach the last four.

Morocco will aim to improve on their Qatar showing but must face Brazil, along with Haiti and Scotland in Group C. Brazil and Morocco have only faced each other three times historically, with Brazil leading the head-to-head record 2-1.

Their only World Cup meeting was in 1998, when Brazil won 3-0. Morocco's only victory came in a 2023 friendly, while Brazil also won a 1997 friendly.

Morocco are a great team

"Do not forget, tomorrow (Saturday), we are playing the African champions, Morocco. They are a great team," Ancelotti told reporters before the match, as quoted by Morocco News.

"Morocco are a great team and they have well-rounded players who perform in Europe. To beat them, we need to defend and attack more effectively, otherwise we will be in trouble," added the 67-year-old manager.

Ancelotti added: "We have great respect for this team. It is a very organised side with quality in all areas. I do not want to go into this topic, but it is a very strong and well equipped team."

The match will also be Ancelotti's World Cup debut as Brazil head coach. The Italian manager said he plans to enjoy the occasion, describing it as one of the proudest moments of his career.

"It is an honour and a big responsibility for me. I am excited and I look forward to it. Fear is good. If you go without fear, you will face the lion thinking it is a cat," added Ancelotti.

Morocco as a model for African teams

Vinicius Junior praised Morocco, saying they have great respect for the African champions.

"I cannot reveal our secrets or our official formation here because I am sure the Moroccan national team is watching this press conference," said Vinicius.

"Morocco are always able to spring surprises in the World Cup, as usual. Credit goes to Morocco for what they have achieved. They have become a major model for many countries in Africa and even beyond Africa."

The 25-year-old continued: "They have talented players and are technically very good. They have Diaz, Hakimi and others, who play regularly in the Champions League."

"It will be a very good game to watch. I hope the fans can enjoy a good show."

The Atlas Lions stormed to the top of Group E in the CAF qualifiers and were the first African side to secure their place at the global tournament.

The team secured their spot thanks to a resounding 5-0 victory over Niger on 5th September.

The tournament is currently taking place from 11th June to 19th July 2026, and is jointly hosted by sixteen cities: eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. It is the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations, and the first to include 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32.