Brazil’s debut in the 2026 World Cup has a challenge against Moroccan striker Soufiane Rahimi
The Brazilian team’s journey towards their sixth title begins this Saturday (13), against the Moroccan team, on the lawn of the MetLife Stadium, an arena located in New Jersey that will also be the stage for the tournament’s grand final. The main obstacle for the South American defense goes by the name of Soufiane Rahimi, a 30-year-old athlete who defends the colors of Al Ain. Experiencing a spectacular moment in UAE football during the 2025/2026 cycle, the versatile player plays both centrally and on the edges of the field. His offensive presence promises to be a rigorous test for the Canarian defensive system, which will need to adapt to the absence of Neymar, sidelined due to a calf muscle problem.
Born in the city of Casablanca, the number 9 built his initial reputation wearing the Raja CA shirt, later moving to the Arab world in mid-2021. Internationally recognized for his physical explosiveness, precision in shooting and excellent positioning within the penalty area, the striker boasts impressive statistics throughout his professional career. He arrives at this World Cup consolidated as the main technical reference of the African team, which seeks to repeat or surpass the historic campaign that took it to the semifinals in the Qatar edition, four years ago.
Transmission options to follow the confrontation between Brazilians and Moroccans
The clash valid for the opening round of Group C is scheduled to start promptly at 7pm, considering the Brasília time zone. Fans will have a wide range of alternatives to follow each move, starting with open television, which will share the rights between broadcasters Globo and SBT. For those who prefer closed channels, the operators will make the signal available through SporTV and the NSports platform. Furthermore, the digital environment will guarantee complete coverage of the show through established streaming services, including CazéTV on YouTube, the ge portal and the Globoplay app.
The tactical role of the top scorer in the scheme set up by the African coach
The initial formation designed by the Moroccan technical committee should take to the field with goalkeeper Bono, protected by a defensive line made up of Hakimi, Diop, Riad and Mazraoui. The midfield sector will feature the dynamics of Bouaddi, El Aynaoui and Ounahi, while the attacking trio will be formed by Brahim Díaz, Saibari and Rahimi himself. In this tactical design, Al Ain’s center forward uses his intense movement, killer instinct and ability to retain the ball to create spaces. This quick transition characteristic is exactly what the African team plans to exploit against defenders Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães.
Under the command of experienced Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, the five-time world champion squad has its lineup practically defined with Alisson under the goalposts. The defense line will be formed by Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Alex Sandro, supported by midfielders Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães. The creative and offensive sector will be in charge of Raphinha, Lucas Paquetá, Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha. This entire structure will need to maintain a very high level of concentration to block the quick attacks and the eye for goal of the opponent’s main front man.
The golden opportunity for the Al Ain star to shine on the global stage
Accumulating an enviable record of balls in the net in decisive moments for his country, the athlete is experiencing the peak of his physical and technical form, seeing the tournament hosted in North America as the perfect showcase for his definitive consecration. The Moroccan delegation is placing all its bets on the player’s talent to try to overcome South American favoritism and start with an advantage in the group that still includes the teams from Haiti and Scotland. A gala performance in this inaugural match could be the fuel needed to propel the Atlas Lions towards another unforgettable journey in the sport.
The passionate Moroccan fans, who promise to turn out in force in the stands of the North American arena, eagerly await brilliant plays from their main star. The striker perfectly represents the essence of this new crop of players from the African country, mixing refined technical refinement with tireless determination, essential attributes for anyone who wants to go head to head with the greatest powers in world football.
