The Brazilian team debuts in the 2026 World Cup this Saturday (13) against Morocco, at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford (USA). At 23 years old, Chadi Riad, Crystal Palace defender, emerges as one of the main names in the Atlas Lions’ defensive line. Trained at Barcelona’s La Masia and with experience in the Premier League, the defender arrives recovered and should start, helping to contain the powerful Brazilian attack without Neymar, injured in his calf.
Born in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), to Moroccan parents, Riad stood out in Barcelona’s youth ranks before spells at Betis and a move to Crystal Palace. Known for his precise ball delivery, physical imposition, leadership and good positioning, he represents the technical quality of the Moroccan defense, semi-finalist in the 2022 World Cup.
Where to watch Brazil vs Morocco live
The game, in the first round of Group C and scheduled for 7pm (Brasília time), will be broadcast on open TV by Globo and SBT. On subscription and pay-per-view channels, SporTV and NSports show. In streaming, CazéTV on YouTube, ge TV and Globoplay also show live.
Chadi Riad as a key player in Ouahbi’s strategy
Morocco’s likely lineup includes Bono; Hakimi, Chadi Riad, Diop and Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui and Ounahi; with Brahim Díaz, Saibari and Rahimi more advanced. In defense, Riad forms a solid duo, organizing the defense, cutting crosses and initiating the ball, which is essential to neutralize Vinicius Júnior, Raphinha and Matheus Cunha.
On the Brazilian side, Carlo Ancelotti should choose Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Alex Sandro; Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Lucas Paquetá, Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha. The Seleção needs to explore the speed on the sides, but respect Riyadh’s consistency in marking.
Chadi Riad looking for historic campaign with Morocco
With increasing squads and good performance in the Premier League, Riyadh is experiencing its first World Cup as an important starter. He praises the partnership with his defensive teammates and sees the tournament as an opportunity to show the potential of the new Moroccan generation. A good performance in the debut helps Morocco surprise Brazil and start well in Group C, which also includes Haiti and Scotland.
The Moroccan fans, present in good numbers at MetLife, trust in Riyadh’s technique and race to hold back Brazilian favoritism. It symbolizes the defensive quality and resilience of the Atlas Lions in a high-level clash.
