The opening fixture between Brazil and Morocco delivered on safety, but there are questions to be raised about the matchday experience at such a major venue
Morocco teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi has addressed mounting speculation regarding a potential move to the Premier League following a stellar performance at the 2026 World Cup opening. The Lille teenager was the talk of the tournament after dominating the midfield during the Atlas Lions' 1-1 draw with Brazil at MetLife Stadium.
Brazil's 2026 World Cup campaign got off to a stuttering start as the Selecao were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Morocco at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Despite a goal from Vinicius Jr, the post-match talk has focused on the defensive lapses and lack of midfield authority that plagued Carlo Ancelotti's side.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Vinicius Jr scored a wonderful goal to give life to an otherwise languid Brazil performance as the Selecao settled for a 1-1 draw with Morocco to open their World Cup campaign. Brazil started slowly and conceded first, but a moment of magic from their main man restored parity before the break. Both sides, it seems, will take the point with more manageable opposition to come.
Endrick has opened up on the military-like discipline and sacrifices that have defined his career so far, drawing direct parallels between his own professional approach and that of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo. The Brazilian wonderkid is currently focused on the 2026 World Cup as he seeks to secure his long-term future at Real Madrid under the watchful eye of new boss Jose Mourinho.
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Neymar will not feature in Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward is still recovering from a calf injury. While the Selecao remain hopeful of welcoming him back to training next week, growing concerns over his fitness have raised doubts about his availability beyond the tournament opener.
Vinicius Jr promised that he would do it "10x" if he had to. Those were his words after he did not win the 2024 Ballon d'Or despite a stellar individual season. In fairness, the Brazilian had a fair claim to the trophy - Rodri may have deserved it, but few would have complained if Vinicius got his hands on the Golden Ball.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has hailed the impact of Carlo Ancelotti since his arrival as Brazil head coach, claiming the Italian has completely "transformed" the atmosphere in the dressing room. Ahead of their World Cup opener, the Selecao No.1 admitted the squad had endured a testing time before the former Real Madrid boss took the reins.
The 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. Over the course of the next week, the time for talking will stop, and teams will have to prove their credentials with their performances on the pitch in North America. All roads, whether through the United States, Mexico or Canada, will lead to New Jersey on July 19, and the biggest football match on the planet: the World Cup final.
After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. The best players in the world have descended on the United States, Mexico and Canada with dreams of lifting the most prestigious trophy in global football ahead of the action getting under way in Mexico City.
The 2026 World Cup is almost here. After years of build-up, dramatic qualifiers and numerous good - and bad - news stories surrounding FIFA's flagship finals, players and coaches from around the world are completing their last preparations after descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest international football tournament to ever have been staged.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic tournament, unlike any that have come before it. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time and spread across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - it promises to be the biggest spectacle in the competition’s near-100-year history.
It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just hours away, with the best players on the planet having descended on the United States, Canada and Mexico for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.
Barcelona winger Raphinha has expressed immense confidence in Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and himself to lead Brazil to their sixth World Cup triumph this summer. Speaking from the national team's training camp ahead of the 2026 tournament, the attacker highlighted the crucial blend of youth and experience required to succeed, as they look to end a drought dating back to 2002.
Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos believes that Lionel Messi can comfortably play in another World Cup after the 2026 tournament. Speaking ahead of the global showpiece, the iconic left-back also assessed Neymar's crucial role under Carlo Ancelotti as the forward races to return to full fitness for the Brazil national team following recent injury struggles.
Brazil have received encouraging news on Neymar's fitness after the forward underwent a scheduled MRI scan. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the Santos star is progressing as expected in his recovery from a calf injury, although the Selecao are set to remain cautious over his return as they begin their World Cup campaign.
It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just a two days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.
Neymar is pulling out all the stops to ensure he is fit for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign, including the use of specialised space-age equipment. The Selecao icon, who is undergoing intensive rehabilitation for a chronic calf injury in New Jersey, was spotted sporting a fresh haircut.
We are now just days away, and World Cup fever is gripping the globe as teams from 48 countries descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest tournament FIFA have ever staged. Managers are making their final plans ahead of the opening round of group games, but for some there are still massive decisions to be made.
Brazil's final World Cup preparations have been rocked by a significant injury scare involving Roma full-back Wesley. The defender was forced off early during the Selecao's 2-1 friendly victory over Egypt, leaving the pitch in visible distress as the tournament approaches. The situation has left manager Carlo Ancelotti concerned about Wesley's condition.
Endrick shone brightly in Brazil's last friendly before the World Cup, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Egypt. The young striker took advantage of the euphoria to send a strong message to Carlo Ancelotti, reaffirming his commitment to the Brazilian National Team.
Chelsea starlet Estevao Willian has opened up on the devastating emotional toll of the injury that cost him a place in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. The 19-year-old was a certain inclusion for Carlo Ancelotti's side before a serious muscular issue ended his hopes of representing the Selecao on the world stage.
Brazil
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