The $30 million toe in the water

Brazil, under foreign coach Carlo Ancelotti, seeks to return to the top after years of disappointment in the 2026 World Cup opener against Morocco.

The five-time champions have not won the title since 2002 and have failed to advance beond the quarterfinals in most subsequent editions, a stretch highlighted by the devastating 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany on home soil in 2014.

Ancelotti acknowledged the immense pressure of the role, noting it may even surpass that of a nation's president, and emphasized Brazil's ambition to return to the pinnacle of football .

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The squad features a blend of experienced stars like the recovering Neymar, who is not expected to play in the opener due to a calf injury, and rising talents such as Vinícius Júnior, who declared the team is ready to compete at the highest level once more.

Morocco, the African champions, arrives as a celebrated underdog, having made history as the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals in the previous edition, where they fell 2-0 to France.

Their continental title in January came with controversy after a forfeit victory in the final due to Senegal's protest, but captain Achraf Hakimi stated that in modern football, there are no small teams, and his side is fully capable of testing Brazil.

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The two nations have met once before at a World Cup, a 1998 group stage match Brazil won 3-0 with goals from Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Bebeto.

That era's iconic celebrations, like Bebeto's baby-rocking gesture, are remembered fondly, and current players noted that goal celebrations, including dancing, remain permissible under FIFA's rules, allowing Brazil to express its joyful style.

The friendly relationship between Brazil captain Marquinhos and Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, both Paris Saint-Germain teammates who recently won the Champions League together, will be set aside for the duration of the match, as they each aim to secure victory for their country.

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The game will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford,New Jersey, where high temperatures around 31°C (88°F) are expected.

While Brazilian fans are divided - some hopeful, others demanding a title - Ancelotti expressed confidence in his squad's feeling and readiness.

Morocco's captain, while respectful of Brazil's legacy, asserted that the Seleção remains a passionate,football-loving nation with great qualities,and his team is prepared to challenge them.