World Cup 2026: Stefano Cusin predicts draw in Brazil vs Morocco clash

Former Comoros coach Stefano Cusin believes Morocco and Brazil are so evenly matched that their highly anticipated Group C encounter could end in a draw.

With only hours remaining before the two sides meet, the Italian coach shared his assessment with Africa Foot United, describing the fixture as a contest between two of the strongest football nations on their respective continents. Cusin ultimately predicted a 1-1 scoreline.

The experienced coach pointed to the significant evolution of the Atlas Lions since their historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. According to him, Morocco’s success at that tournament was built on defensive organisation and devastating counter-attacking football.

“Let’s just say that Morocco at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a team that defended very well and acted on the counter-attack; it was very, very strong because it had very technical players on the wings. And so, it was a formidable team,” he explained.

Cusin believes Morocco’s rise on the international stage has led to a noticeable change in playing style. Rather than relying primarily on defensive solidity, the North Africans now seek to control possession and dictate matches.

“They changed after the very good World Cup; they changed their status, and they also changed their style of play. And that’s somewhat the style of play we saw during the AFCON.

Even in previous matches, they’re a team that has a lot of possession, dominates the game, and always displays great technical quality,” he continued.

Despite that transformation, the Italian expects Morocco to adjust their approach when facing Brazil. He suggested the Atlas Lions could return to a more cautious strategy and use quick transitions to exploit spaces left by their opponents.

“But I think against Brazil, they’ll be a team that plays on the counter-attack. And they’re a quality team. Brazil is a very strong team, technically very strong, very cohesive, but so is Morocco,” he emphasised.

Cusin expects Brazil to see more of the ball but warned that Morocco’s pace and effectiveness on the break could prove decisive.

“I think it’s going to be an extremely balanced match, where Brazil will probably dominate possession, but Morocco will be able to counter-attack and be extremely dangerous. So it’s going to be a balanced match between two great teams,” he says.

The former Comoros manager also highlighted the standing of both nations within their regions before explaining why he believes neither side will emerge victorious.

“Let’s say that Brazil, along with Argentina, are the best teams in South America, and Morocco, along with Senegal, are among the best teams in Africa. So that’s why I think it will end in a draw,” he concluded.

As Brazil and Morocco prepare to face each other on Saturday, Cusin expects a tightly contested encounter that could finish 1-1 between two teams he regards as among the elite of world football.