Morocco faces a real test against Brazil.

Morocco cannot match Brazil's history in the World Cup, as it is participating for only the seventh time. However, after finishing fourth in 2022, it seeks to solidify its position during their encounter on Saturday in the first round of Group C in the global festival in North America.

By coincidence, the match between the two teams will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in New York State, which will host the final match that both the Seleção and the "Atlas Lions" aim to reach, making this encounter one of the most anticipated group stage matches.

Morocco achieved a perfect run in the qualifiers (8 wins out of 8), won the Arab Cup, and reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. Since its last administrative title earlier this year, the "Atlas Lions" have not lost in their last five friendly matches (3 wins and 2 draws), including a draw against Norway and its star, Manchester City's Erling Haaland, 1-1 on Sunday.

Coach Mohamed Wahbi hopes to succeed in his official debut with the "Atlas Lions" despite the stature of his Brazilian opponent, a five-time world champion.

Wahbi said in press statements: "We know very well the value of the Brazilian national team and its history and achievements on the global stage, but on the other hand, we have great confidence in our players' abilities and the work we have done during the past period." He added: "The players are ready for this match, and everyone understands the importance of the first match in the World Cup. We have a cohesive group of professional players at the highest levels, and we have the capabilities to compete with the strongest teams. We will approach the match with a winning mentality while fully respecting our opponent."

The coach continued: "We came to the World Cup with great ambitions, to achieve positive results and to defend our chances strongly in this tournament. We respect Brazil, but it remains a football match that is decided on the field, and we will do everything we can to achieve a result that befits the ambitions of Moroccan fans."

Wahbi aims to break the curse of his opening matches in the global festival, as the "Lions" have not won any of their six matches (3 draws and 3 losses). He is also dealing with significant absences following the withdrawal of Marseille's defender Nayef Aguerd and Real Betis Sevilla's winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli due to injury. However, he has a diverse squad and talents capable of leaving their mark and repeating the achievement of their predecessor, including new arrivals Lille's midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi and Eintracht Frankfurt's forward Ayoub Amimi.

This will be the second encounter between the two teams in the finals, following the first in 1998, when Brazil won 3-0 on its way to the final, which it lost to the host France 1-3. Morocco avenged itself in 2023 in a friendly match (2-1) in the city of Tangier.