Brazil vs Morocco: Top five players to watch during FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Vinicius Jr & Brahim Diaz

Brazil holds the record for the most FIFA World Cup titles (5)

Brazil’s 24-year wait for a FIFA World Cup title could finally come to an end in 2026. The most successful nation in the competition’s history, with five World Cup triumphs, Brazil will hope Carlo Ancelotti’s side can bring the trophy back home and end the long drought.

Drawn in Group C, Brazil face a tough opening challenge as they begin their campaign against 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, on June 13.

The match is expected to be one of the most entertaining fixtures of the group stage, with both teams boasting several stars from Europe’s top clubs. Despite the absence of key players, such as Neymar, due to injury, there is no shortage of quality on display.

Here are five players who could light up the contest in New Jersey.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Top five players to watch for Brazil vs Morocco

S.No.	Player Name	Country
1	Vinicius Junior	Brazil
2	Raphinha	Brazil
3	Brahim Diaz	Morocco
4	Casemiro	Brazil
5	Achraf Hakimi	Morocco

5. Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi, the captain of the Moroccan national team, is one of the most decorated players in the tournament. He recently captained his nation to AFCON glory and also lifted the UEFA Champions League after helping his club overcome Arsenal in the final. He was also a key figure during Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they finished fourth.

Hakimi’s qualities are well known. He is the perfect example of a modern full-back, capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch with his defensive work, relentless running, pinpoint crosses and overlapping runs down the right flank. He will have a crucial role to play in containing Brazil’s biggest attacking threat, Vinicius, if Morocco are to secure a positive result.

4. Casemiro

Casemiro, Brazil’s vice-captain, could potentially be appearing in his final FIFA World Cup. The experienced midfielder is the third-most capped player in the squad behind Marquinhos and Neymar.

Expected to operate in a deeper midfield role alongside Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro remains one of the best in the business at breaking up opposition attacks and initiating quick transitions with his passing range. He also poses a threat from set-pieces and late runs into the box. The former Manchester United midfielder is coming off the back of an excellent domestic season in which he scored nine goals despite playing primarily as a defensive midfielder.

3. Brahim Diaz

Having switched allegiance from Spain to Morocco in 2024, Brahim Diaz has established himself as one of the first names on the Atlas Lions’ team sheet. The Real Madrid forward is coming off a solid La Liga campaign, finishing the season with eight assists despite starting many games from the bench.

Diaz also enjoyed an impressive AFCON campaign, scoring five goals in seven matches to win the Golden Boot. Despite suffering the heartbreak of missing a penalty in the final, he will be hoping to build on that form and deliver another strong tournament.

2. Raphinha

Raphinha is coming off an injury-hit season in which hamstring issues forced him to miss a significant number of matches for Barcelona. Nevertheless, he is expected to play a vital role in Brazil’s attack during the World Cup.

The versatile forward can operate on either wing, through the middle or in a more advanced creative role behind the striker. With around 20 goal contributions in nearly 40 appearances for Brazil, he averages a goal or assist in almost every other game. Having recently provided an assist for Endrick against Egypt, Raphinha will be a key creative and attacking outlet with his crossing, set-piece deliveries, long-range shooting and dribbling ability, especially in Neymar’s absence.

1. Vinicius Junior

Vinícius Júnior, widely regarded as one of the best left wingers in world football, has often struggled to reproduce his club form at the international level. However, with Carlo Ancelotti once again managing him, the Brazilian will be hoping to enjoy a breakthrough World Cup campaign.

Vinicius’ strengths need little introduction. His explosive pace, quick footwork and dribbling ability make him one of the most dangerous attackers in the game. Give him even the slightest opening and he has the ability to turn the match around in an instant. His individual battle against Hakimi promises to be one of the standout contests of the game.

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