Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed strong confidence that the national team will defeat Morocco in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Group C clash is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kick-off at 11:00 p.
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m. local time.
President Lula shared his optimistic outlook with reporters after a meeting of Brazil's Council for Sustainable Economic and Social Development.
"I honestly think Brazil will win," Lula said.
The president acknowledged that his past tournament predictions have not always been accurate.
"I have made mistakes in my predictions before, in 1982 and 1986, but this time I want our team to succeed," he added.
Lula emphasized that securing a win is the primary objective, regardless of the margin.
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"If Brazil wins by half a goal to zero, that would be good enough for me. But I believe they will win," he stated.
The match features two top-10 FIFA-ranked teams, drawing immense global attention. Limited tickets remain available on the rolling-release market.
Brazil enters the tournament as five-time champions, having won in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002.
They qualified fifth in CONMEBOL with eight wins, four draws, and six losses.
Morocco arrives after a historic semifinal run at Qatar 2022 and an unblemished qualifying campaign, winning all eight matches with 22 goals scored and two conceded.
The North African side also recently won a CAF Appeal Board ruling following a controversial AFCON final where Senegal forfeited after refusing to return to the pitch.
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The 2026 tournament features 48 nations divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams and the eight best third-place squads advance to the Round of 32.
