Morocco's national football team, the Atlas Lions, are set to face Brazil in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 13, 2026. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed confidence in his squad, stating that the players are ready to take on the challenge and must now embrace their elevated status on the global stage.
Ouahbi emphasized that the team has prepared thoroughly for this moment, building on their historic run in the 2022 World Cup where they became the first African team to reach the semifinals. 'We have earned respect, but now we must show that we belong among the elite,' Ouahbi said in a pre-match press conference.
The match against Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, is seen as a major test for Morocco. Brazil enters the tournament as one of the favorites, but Ouahbi insisted his team is not intimidated. 'We have studied their strengths and weaknesses. Our players are motivated and focused,' he added.
Morocco's squad features key players from top European leagues, including Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi and Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech. The team has also benefited from strong fan support, with thousands of Moroccan supporters expected at the stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, one of the venues reused from the 2022 tournament. The match is expected to draw a global audience as both teams aim to start their World Cup campaigns with a victory.
