Morocco Ready for Brazil World Cup Test, Vinicius Threat — Hakimi

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has expressed confidence ahead of his side’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Brazil, insisting the Atlas Lions are prepared for the challenge despite the threat posed by star forward Vinicius Junior.

The Group C encounter is scheduled for Saturday at MetLife Stadium, with Morocco seeking to begin their campaign on a strong note against the five-time world champions.

Morocco enter the tournament carrying high expectations after their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach the last four of the competition.

Speaking ahead of the match, Hakimi acknowledged the quality within the Brazilian squad but stressed that Morocco also possess the talent and confidence required to compete at the highest level.

“I think everyone knows the Brazilian national team. We know Vinicius’ qualities. I have played against him many times and he is a great player,” Hakimi said.

The defender noted that stopping Brazil’s attacking threats would require a collective effort from the entire team rather than relying on individual battles.

“To defend against Vinicius and the other Brazilian players, who are all top-level, you have to defend as a team, with clear ideas,” he added.

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi also expressed confidence in his squad despite injuries ruling out key players Abde Ezzalzouli and Nayef Aguerd ahead of the tournament.

According to the coach, the Atlas Lions will remain faithful to the tactical principles that helped them achieve success in recent years.

“We won’t change our principles much. We have shown good things and we will keep showing them by staying true to our principles,” Ouahbi said.

Brazil arrive as one of the favourites to win the tournament, boasting a squad filled with elite players from Europe’s top leagues.

However, Morocco believe their victories over Belgium, Spain and Portugal during the last World Cup prove they can compete with football’s biggest nations.

Hakimi said the team’s immediate focus is securing a positive result in the opening match and building momentum for the rest of the competition.

“We want to start in the best possible way and then take it match by match,” he said.