One of the most anticipated matches of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on Saturday when Brazil face Morocco in a Group C clash that both teams believe they can win.
The buildup has been dominated by confidence from both camps.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi dismissed suggestions that his side should fear the five-time world champions.
"We are not afraid of Brazil.
"We respect them and I am sure they respect us too.
"My players are ready," Ouahbi told reporters ahead of the match.
Captain Achraf Hakimi also struck a relaxed and humorous tone. When asked about the conditions, the Paris Saint-Germain defender joked: "We are Africans, we are used to the heat.
"It won't be a problem for us tomorrow against Brazil."
Hakimi also reminded reporters that Morocco have earned respect on the world stage, saying people often call his team the "Brazil of Africa."
Brazil Respectful but Determined
Brazil arrive at the tournament under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is preparing for his first World Cup match in charge of the Seleção.
The Italian warned against complacency, saying fear can sometimes be useful in football.
"If you're not afraid and you're caught off guard, you might see a lion and think it's a cat," Ancelotti said as he stressed the need for concentration against a dangerous Moroccan side.
Brazil forward Vinicius Junior also praised Morocco, describing them as a team that has improved significantly in recent years.
He added that Brazil are focused on building momentum and finding their best form during the tournament.
History Suggests a Close Contest
Brazil and Morocco have met three times before.
Brazil won a friendly in 1997 and a World Cup match in 1998, but Morocco claimed a famous 2-1 victory in a friendly in 2023.
Both teams arrive with impressive recent records.
Brazil qualified comfortably from South America despite some inconsistent performances, while Morocco continue to build on their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals, the best finish ever by an African nation.
With confidence high on both sides and neither willing to accept the underdog label, Saturday's meeting promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament's opening week.
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