World Cup 2026: Brazil FA boss Lula da Silva backs Selecao to edge Morocco in opener

Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says he would be satisfied if his outfit even secure a narrow victory over Morocco in the 2026 World Cup opener.

In a highly competitive clash on Saturday, the record World Cup holders will take on the African giants, with victory crucial to their quest of making impact.

Speaking during a meeting of the Council for Sustainable Economic and Social Development in Brasília, Lula combined humour with expectation as he reflected on Brazil’s chances under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“Honestly, I expect Brazil to win. I was wrong in my predictions in 1982 and 1986, but I want Brazil to win. If they win by one goal, or even half a goal, that would be great,” he said.

The remarks come ahead of Brazil’s Group C clash against Morocco national football team, scheduled to take place in New Jersey as part of the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The fixture is widely regarded as the most challenging match in Brazil’s group, which also includes Haiti and Scotland. Morocco arrive in strong form and high confidence after their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a campaign that established them as one of the most respected emerging forces in international football.

Brazil, meanwhile, enter the tournament under the leadership of Ancelotti with renewed expectations of reclaiming global dominance. The Italian coach has been tasked with blending a new generation of attacking talent with experienced leaders in a bid to deliver Brazil’s long-awaited return to World Cup glory.

Lula’s comments reflect both national expectation and awareness of the challenge ahead. While Brazil remain one of the favourites on paper, Morocco’s recent performances on the world stage have shown they are no longer considered underdogs, but genuine competitors capable of upsetting traditional powerhouses.

The Brazilian president’s light-hearted reference to past prediction errors also highlighted the unpredictability of World Cup football, where early group-stage matches often produce surprises and tightly contested results.

For Morocco, the encounter represents another opportunity to test themselves against one of football’s most decorated nations. Their disciplined defensive structure, tactical organisation and quick transitions have earned widespread respect, and they are expected to pose a serious threat in Group C.

Brazil, on the other hand, will be aiming to start strongly and avoid early pressure in a group where dropped points could complicate their path to the knockout stages.

As kickoff approaches, attention continues to build around what promises to be one of the standout early fixtures of the tournament. With political optimism from Brasília and sporting ambition from both camps, the Brazil–Morocco showdown is shaping up to be a defining moment in Group C.