Five-time champions Brazil enter the World Cup on Saturday with a marquee group-stage clash against Morocco, the surprise semi-finalists from 2022. The match in New Jersey is one of four games on the first day of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Scotland Returns to World Stage
Scotland makes its first World Cup appearance since 1998, facing debutants Haiti in Boston. The Tartan Army will look to Scott McTominay, who scored a stunning overhead kick in the decisive qualifier against Denmark.
Other Saturday Matches
In Santa Clara, 2022 hosts Qatar take on Switzerland, while Australia meets Turkey in Vancouver to close the day.
US Opener Thrills Crowd
Co-hosts the United States launched their campaign with a emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday, watched by a star-studded crowd of 70,000 in Los Angeles, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, and David Beckham.
Brazil Under Ancelotti
Brazil, despite a rocky qualifying campaign with six losses in 18 matches, remain a glamorous draw. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, making his World Cup debut, expressed confidence: "We have a team that can compete with every team in the world."
Key forwards Rodrygo and Estevao are injured, and Neymar will miss the opener but is working to recover. Vinicius Junior, with 21 goals for Real Madrid last season, and Barcelona's Raphinha are expected to lead the attack.
Morocco's Ambition
Morocco, the first African semi-finalist four years ago, were awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title after a chaotic final. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi said: "It's a match that will tell us where we stand. Lots of people say it's not the Brazil of old, but it's still Brazil."
Australia coach Tony Popovic is confident his side can punch above their weight, but Turkey presents a tough test. The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.
