Brazil vs Morocco: Confirmed Lineups for World Cup 2026 — Cunha and Endrick both benched in a shock team news update. Vinicius Jr, Raphinha and Casemiro start for Brazil. Hakimi captains Morocco. Full preview and prediction.
Published: June 14, 2026 | Author: Hemim SK
The match the entire football world has been waiting for is hours away. Brazil vs Morocco. The 2022 World Cup quarter-final rematch. MetLife Stadium. 6pm ET. And the confirmed lineups have just dropped a genuine shock.
Carlo Ancelotti has left both Matheus Cunha and Endrick — two of Brazil’s most talked-about attacking options — on the bench. Instead Vinicius Jr, Igor Thiago and Raphinha form the front three, with Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta controlling midfield.
For Morocco, Walid Regragui‘s side line up with Achraf Hakimi at right-back, Brahim Diaz in an advanced role and Youssef En-Nesyri leading the line — exactly the kind of organised, dangerous setup that beat Brazil on penalties in Qatar 2022.
The lineups are confirmed. The rematch is hours away. Here is everything you need to know.
Brazil vs Morocco — Match Facts
Date: Saturday June 13, 2026
Kickoff: 6pm ET / 11pm BST / Midnight CET (June 14)
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey
Group: C
TV USA: FS1 (English) / Telemundo (Spanish)
TV UK: ITV1 / ITVX
TV Brazil: TV Globo / SporTV
TV Morocco: Arryadia / beIN Sports
Confirmed Brazil Lineup — 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Defence:
Danilo Santos (right back)
Marquinhos (centre back)
Gabriel (centre back)
Ibanez (left back)
Midfield:
Bruno Guimaraes
Casemiro
Lucas Paqueta
Attack:
Vinicius Jr (left wing)
Igor Thiago (striker)
Raphinha (right wing)
THE SHOCK — Cunha and Endrick BOTH Benched
This is the headline of Brazil’s team news tonight. Matheus Cunha — the Manchester United forward who has been one of the form players in the Premier League — does not start. Endrick — the 19-year-old Real Madrid sensation who many expected to be Brazil’s breakout star of this tournament — also does not start.
Instead Carlo Ancelotti has gone with Igor Thiago as his central striker — a more direct, physical option who provides a different kind of threat to either Cunha or Endrick. The decision suggests Ancelotti wants height, physical presence and aerial ability to combat Morocco’s experienced and well-organised defensive line, which conceded zero goals in two pre-tournament matches against Burundi and Madagascar.
Vinicius Jr and Raphinha — both confirmed starters — remain the primary creative and goalscoring threats from wide areas. Their understanding, built over seasons together at club and international level, gives Brazil width and pace that Morocco’s defence must respect from the first minute.
Confirmed Morocco Lineup — 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 Hybrid
Goalkeeper: Bounou (Yassine Bounou)
Defence:
Achraf Hakimi (right back)
Diop (centre back)
Riad (centre back)
Mazraoui (left back)
Midfield:
El Aynaoui
Bouaddi
Attack:
Ounahi (left)
El Khannouss (central attacking midfield)
Brahim Diaz (right)
Saibari (striker / false nine)
Morocco’s Tactical Set-Up — What to Expect
Morocco’s lineup confirms exactly the kind of disciplined, organised approach that defined their historic run to the 2022 semi-finals. Achraf Hakimi at right-back is both their defensive anchor on that side and one of their primary attacking outlets — his ability to bomb forward and create overlaps with Brahim Diaz gives Morocco a genuine threat down the right.
Yassine Bounou — Morocco’s hero goalkeeper from the 2022 penalty shootout against Spain — starts in goal once again. His experience in high-pressure knockout-style situations is exactly the calm presence Morocco need against Brazil’s attacking talent
El Khannouss in the number 10 role is the key creative outlet — the Leicester City midfielder has technical quality that can unlock defences and his partnership with Brahim Diaz and Saibari up front gives Morocco multiple ways to threaten on the counter-attack.
The midfield pairing of El Aynaoui and Bouaddi is built for defensive discipline first — exactly the foundation that allowed Morocco to concede zero goals in 120 minutes against Brazil in 2022 before winning on penalties.
Three Key Battles to Watch Tonight
Vinicius Jr vs Mazraoui
Vinicius Jr’s pace and dribbling against Morocco’s left-back Mazraoui is the most dangerous individual matchup for Brazil. If Vinicius gets isolated one-on-one in space he is capable of beating almost any defender in the world. Morocco’s defensive shape will likely look to double up on him whenever possible — meaning Brazil’s other attackers need to exploit the space this creates.
Achraf Hakimi vs Raphinha
The reverse situation on the other flank. Hakimi is one of the best attacking right-backs in the world but defending against Raphinha’s directness and pace is a serious test even for him. If Hakimi commits forward too often, Raphinha has the speed to punish Morocco in behind.
Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes vs El Khannouss
The Brazilian double pivot against Morocco’s most creative outlet. If Casemiro and Guimaraes can deny El Khannouss space and time on the ball, Morocco’s attacking threat is significantly reduced. If El Khannouss finds pockets of space between Brazil’s midfield and defensive lines, Morocco’s counter-attacks become dangerous.
Why Leaving Out Cunha and Endrick Is So Significant
Both players have been heavily discussed in the build-up to this World Cup. Cunha’s Premier League form has been excellent. Endrick’s emergence at Real Madrid has made him one of the most talked-about teenage talents in world football.
Ancelotti’s decision to start neither of them — opting instead for the more experienced Raphinha and the physical profile of Igor Thiago alongside Vinicius Jr — suggests a manager prioritising tactical balance and physical presence over individual flair for this specific opponent.
It is a decision that will be scrutinised heavily depending on the outcome. If Brazil win comfortably, Ancelotti’s tactical reading of Morocco will be praised. If Brazil struggle to break down Morocco’s defence — as they did in 2022 — questions about whether Cunha or Endrick’s directness and unpredictability could have made the difference will follow immediately.
The 2022 Shadow
Every team news update, every tactical decision, every individual battle tonight happens in the shadow of December 5, 2022 — the night Morocco eliminated Brazil on penalties at the Al Thumama Stadium and became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Achraf Hakimi’s Panenka penalty. Vinicius Jr’s heartbreak. Marquinhos hitting the post in the shootout. These images are part of both nations’ football histories now.
Tonight at MetLife Stadium — the venue that hosts the World Cup Final on July 19 — both sets of players carry that history with them. Brazil seeking redemption. Morocco seeking to prove 2022 was not a one-off miracle but the emergence of a genuinely elite football nation.
How to Watch Brazil vs Morocco Tonight
USA: FS1 (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) — also on Fubo streaming
UK: ITV1 and ITVX — free to air
Brazil: TV Globo and SporTV
Morocco: Arryadia (free to air) and beIN Sports
Worldwide: FIFA+ where local rights allow
Prediction
With Cunha and Endrick on the bench, Brazil’s attacking pattern relies heavily on Vinicius Jr and Raphinha’s individual quality combined with Igor Thiago’s physical presence in the box. Morocco’s defensive discipline — as shown in 2022 and in their pre-tournament clean sheets — means Brazil may need a moment of individual brilliance rather than a flowing team goal.
Morocco’s counter-attacking threat through Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and El Khannouss gives them genuine ability to score against Brazil’s high defensive line.
This match could very easily repeat the tactical stalemate of 2022 — tight, tense, low on clear chances, decided by a single moment.
Prediction: Brazil 2-2 Morocco
A tight, tense rematch. Vinicius Jr or Raphinha to find a moment of magic for Brazil. Morocco to find an equaliser on the counter through their disciplined defensive-to-attacking transition. Honours even in the most anticipated group stage match of the tournament.
NEED TO KNOW
What is Brazil’s confirmed lineup vs Morocco?
Brazil’s confirmed XI: Alisson (GK); Danilo Santos, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Ibanez (defence); Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta (midfield); Vinicius Jr, Igor Thiago, Raphinha (attack).
Why are Cunha and Endrick benched for Brazil vs Morocco?
Carlo Ancelotti has opted for Igor Thiago as a more physical central striker option alongside Vinicius Jr and Raphinha, leaving both Matheus Cunha and Endrick on the bench. The decision appears to prioritise physical presence and tactical balance against Morocco’s well-organised defence.
What is Morocco’s confirmed lineup vs Brazil?
Morocco’s confirmed XI: Bounou (GK); Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui (defence); El Aynaoui, Bouaddi (midfield); Ounahi, El Khannouss, Brahim Diaz (attacking midfield); Saibari (striker).
What time is Brazil vs Morocco today?
Brazil vs Morocco kicks off at 6pm Eastern Time on Saturday June 13. That is 11pm British Summer Time and midnight Central European Time (June 14). At MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Did Morocco beat Brazil at the 2022 World Cup?
Yes — Morocco beat Brazil in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals on penalties after a 0-0 draw following extra time. Achraf Hakimi scored the winning penalty with a Panenka. Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Who is Morocco’s goalkeeper vs Brazil?
Yassine Bounou — known as Bono — starts in goal for Morocco. He was the hero of Morocco’s 2022 penalty shootout win over Spain and remains their first-choice goalkeeper.
Is Endrick playing for Brazil vs Morocco?
No — Endrick has been left on the bench for Brazil’s match against Morocco, with Carlo Ancelotti opting for Igor Thiago as the starting striker alongside Vinicius Jr and Raphinha.
Conclusion
Brazil vs Morocco. 6pm ET. MetLife Stadium. The 2022 rematch with a twist nobody expected — Cunha and Endrick both on the bench.
Vinicius Jr and Raphinha carry Brazil’s attacking hopes. Hakimi and El Khannouss carry Morocco’s counter-attacking threat. Bounou — the hero of 2022 — is back between the posts.
This is the match of the group stage. Kickoff in hours. Do not miss it.
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Was leaving out Cunha and Endrick the right call by Ancelotti — and who do you think wins the Brazil vs Morocco rematch tonight? Tell us in the comments below