Brazil Set to Unleash Their Starting XI Against Morocco in Crucial World Cup Group C Clash

It's often said that a World Cup doesn't truly begin until Brazil steps onto the pitch, and this time around, the wait won't be long.

The five-time world champions kick off their campaign on Day 3, taking on historic hosts Qatar and reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Morocco at MetLife Stadium — the very venue set to host the final in just over a month's time.

This marks Brazil's sixth bid to claim an unprecedented sixth World Cup title, having disappointed at each of the previous five tournaments. Expectations aren't particularly sky-high heading into the summer, but with World Cup fever gripping the football-mad Brazilian nation once again, many are daring to hope that Carlo Ancelotti's squad can mirror their triumphant 1994 campaign on American soil.

Here's the lineup Ancelotti could field for Brazil's opening fixture against Morocco.

Brazil Predicted XI vs. Morocco

Pick your Brazil XI!

GK: Alisson—Liverpool's first-choice keeper Alisson faces competition from Bento and Ederson, with injury concerns threatening to disrupt his tournament. Nevertheless, he arrives fit and ready, and he'll be the man guarding Brazil's goal throughout.

RB: Danilo—The experienced defender faces less competition following Wesley's injury, though some will question whether Ancelotti is asking too much of him over the course of the summer.

CB: Marquinhos—Now a back-to-back European champion with Paris Saint-Germain, Marquinhos arrived at camp in high spirits, though he'll be mindful not to overshadow his defensive partner.

CB: Gabriel—The Arsenal centre-back hasn't featured since his heartbreaking penalty miss in the Champions League final a fortnight ago. Even so, Ancelotti won't hesitate to hand Gabriel a starting berth from the outset.

LB: Alex Sandro—This remains a glaring weak spot for the Seleção. Alex Sandro was among Europe's finest left backs roughly a decade ago.

CM: Casemiro—After an impressive final season at Manchester United, Casemiro heads into what is likely his last World Cup in solid form. The midfielder poses a notable set-piece threat and has shown his quality during the warm-up games.

CM: Bruno Guimarães—The energetic and tenacious midfielder got on the scoresheet against Egypt in Brazil's last outing, and he has a pivotal role to play at this World Cup. He ranks among the finest midfielders in the tournament.

RW: Raphinha—Raphinha has evolved into a consistent goal contributor at Barcelona, though his finest performances have come from the left flank under Hansi Flick. He's expected to operate on the right for Ancelotti, who will look to pull the former Leeds United winger into central areas as often as possible.

AM: Lucas Paquetá—With Neymar limited to a peripheral role for the Seleção this summer, former West Ham United midfielder Paquetá is set to shoulder the burden of being Brazil's primary playmaker.

LW: Vinicius Junior—Brazil's past World Cup glories have often been defined by a single star, from Pelé in 1958 to Ronaldo in 2022. With Neymar in the twilight of his international career, the spotlight must fall on Vini Jr. in North America.

ST: Matheus Cunha—João Pedro was a notable absentee from Ancelotti's squad, with Igor Thiago and Endrick the two out-and-out strikers named in the selection. However, the Italian coach is expected to go with a more fluid attacking option on Saturday, with Manchester United's Cunha spearheading the attack.