The Brazilian team debuts in the 2026 World Cup this Saturday (13) against Morocco, at the MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford (USA), but without its main idol. Neymar, 34, continues to recover from a grade 2 injury to his right calf and was confirmed to be absent by Carlo Ancelotti. The number 10 should return to training with the group next week.
The absence of the striker, who suffered the injury while playing for Santos in May, weighs on offensive creation. Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and Matheus Cunha gain even more responsibility in the Brazilian attack to seek the three points in the opening of Group C, which still includes Haiti and Scotland.
Where to watch Brazil vs Morocco live
The game, scheduled for 7pm (Brasília time), will be broadcast on open TV by Globo and SBT. On pay-per-view and subscription channels, SporTV and NSports show the match. In streaming, CazéTV on YouTube, ge TV and Globoplay also show live.
Impact of Neymar’s injury on Ancelotti’s strategy
Without Neymar, the Italian coach should maintain a 4-2-3-1 formation with Alisson in goal; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Alex Sandro in defense; Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães in the middle; Raphinha, Lucas Paquetá and Vinícius Júnior in creation; and Matheus Cunha in command of the attack. The team needs greater collective intensity to compensate for the star’s lack of unpredictability.
On the Moroccan side, coach Mohamed Ouahbi leads a team that reached the semifinals in 2022 and has already beaten Brazil in a recent friendly. Even with absences due to injury, the African team relies on organized defense and quick transitions with Hakimi, Brahim Díaz and Rahimi.
Neymar’s recovery and importance for the hexa
The CBF technical committee is working optimistically to have Neymar back in the second round, against Haiti. At 34 years old, the player is probably experiencing his last World Cup and hopes to help Brazil win their sixth title. His presence completely changes the team’s offensive power in decisive games.
The Brazilian fans, who fill the MetLife Stadium, understand that the debut without their idol requires patience and focus. A victory today relieves the pressure and paves the way for Neymar to reintegrate in better conditions in the expanded group stage.
