Key facts
- Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti faces significant pressure to win a record sixth World Cup title.
- Goalkeeper Alisson Becker stated the coaching role carries more pressure than being the nation's president.
- Brazil opens its World Cup campaign against Morocco, aiming to improve on recent tournament performances.
- The Brazilian team has not won the World Cup since 2002.
- Neymar will miss the opening match due to a calf injury.
Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian coach expected to lead Brazil to a record sixth World Cup title, is facing immense pressure, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker suggesting the role carries more weight than the nation's presidency. Brazil, aiming to reclaim its status as world football's elite after not winning the title since 2002, is set to open its campaign against Morocco.
Brazil's historical dominance in the World Cup is contrasted with recent struggles, having only advanced past the quarterfinals once since their last victory, marked by a significant 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany in 2014. Striker Vinícius Júnior expressed confidence that the current squad is on par with other major international teams and is determined to "change history" and return Brazil to the top.
Morocco, the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, presents a formidable challenge. Coach Ancelotti acknowledged the strength of modern teams, stating that "there is no small-time team" and that Morocco is "definitely up to the task." Brazil won their only previous World Cup meeting 3-0 in 1998. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, a teammate of Brazil's captain Marquinhos at Paris Saint-Germain, acknowledged Brazil's passion and desire to win but emphasized that the match will be competitive.
Hot weather is forecast for the kickoff at MetLife Stadium. Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, will miss the opening match due to a calf injury, though Ancelotti hopes he can return to full training the following week. Ancelotti, who has won a record five Champions League titles, is the first non-Brazilian to coach the national team at a World Cup.