World Cup 2026: Brazil President Lula backs Seleção to beat Morocco

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has backed Brazil to defeat Morocco in one of the most anticipated matches of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying he would be satisfied with even the narrowest of victories.

Speaking three days before the Group C encounter in New Jersey, Lula expressed confidence in the Seleção’s chances against the Atlas Lions, while joking that the margin of victory was less important than securing the result.

“Honestly, my prediction is that Brazil will win. I was wrong in 1982 and 1986, but I want Brazil to win. If they win by one goal, or even half to zero, that’s already good,” Lula joked about the highly anticipated match, scheduled for Saturday in New Jersey, as part of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The remarks were made following a meeting of the Council for Sustainable Economic and Social Development (CDESS) in Brasília, where the Brazilian president was asked about the national team’s prospects ahead of its World Cup opener.

Lula’s comments reflect cautious optimism surrounding a Brazil side now led by Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. The five-time world champions enter the tournament aiming to capture a record-extending sixth World Cup title and begin their campaign against one of Africa’s most formidable teams.

Morocco arrive at the tournament carrying significant momentum following their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Since that breakthrough campaign, the Atlas Lions have continued to strengthen their reputation on the international stage and head into the clash with confidence.

The meeting between Brazil and Morocco is widely regarded as the standout fixture in Group C, which also includes Haiti and Scotland.

Both nations are expected to challenge for top spot in the group, making the result potentially crucial to the outcome of the early stages of the competition.

While Lula avoided making a bold prediction on the scoreline, his comments underlined the expectation within Brazil that the national team can begin the tournament with a positive result.

Whether by a dominant display or the narrowest of margins, the president made clear that only victory will satisfy Brazilian supporters as the World Cup gets underway.