The Brazilian team debuts in the 2026 World Cup this Saturday (13) against Morocco, at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford (USA). At 34 years old and in his third edition of the tournament, Flamengo’s Danilo Luiz da Silva emerges as a key player in the defense. With Wesley’s injury, the player must start as right-back, a role he dominates due to his versatility.
Born in Bicas (MG), Danilo built a career at giants such as Real Madrid, Manchester City and Juventus before arriving at Flamengo. Able to also play as a defender, he offers valuable tactical options to Carlo Ancelotti and is praised for his leadership on and off the field.
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.
Danilo’s versatility as an asset in Ancelotti’s strategy
The likely starting lineup has Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Alex Sandro; Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Lucas Paquetá, Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha. Without Neymar, injured, Danilo’s experience on the side gains weight to contain Moroccan counterattacks, especially with Hakimi and Brahim Díaz.
On the Morocco side, coach Mohamed Ouahbi chooses Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riyadh and Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui and Ounahi; Brahim Díaz, Saibari and Rahimi. The semi-finalist team in 2022 prioritizes compact marking and quick transitions.
From Bicas to the dream of six with Danilo in the third World Cup
Called up by Ancelotti and with spells in 2018 and 2022, Danilo is experiencing a moment of leadership in the National Team’s transition. He praises the group and the collective strength, especially after replacing the starter on the side. A victory in the debut against Morocco eases the path in Group C (with Haiti and Scotland) and strengthens the campaign for a sixth title.
The Brazilian fans, who fill MetLife, trust in the number 13’s experience to command the defense in a demanding tournament. Danilo symbolizes stability and versatility amidst the squad’s renewal.