Brazil vs Morocco betting tips: Powerhouses collide in Group C
Saturday’s World Cup action continues with one of the most eye-catching fixtures of Matchday #1 as five-time champions Brazil take on a talented Morocco side in California.
Odds Now football tipster Matt Hill takes a closer look at this Group C clash and picks out his best betting angles ahead of kick-off.
Competition – 2026 FIFA World Cup – Group Stage, Matchday #1
Date - Saturday June 13th, 2026
Kick off - 6pm local time (PDT) / 11pm Saturday UK time
Venue – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
TV channels – BBC1/ BBC iPlayer (UK), FOX Sports (US)
Match Winner - Brazil 1.73, Draw 3.95, Morocco 5.70
Over 2.5 goals - Yes 2.22, No 1.80
Both Teams To Score - Yes 2.12, No 1.84
*Odds taken from Betfair Exchange on Friday June 12th at 11pm. Subject to change.
Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment as Brazil boss was one of the biggest managerial stories in international football, with the Italian becoming the first foreign coach ever to take permanent charge of the Selecao.
The early signs have been encouraging too. Ancelotti has quickly won over both players and supporters, not least through his efforts to embrace the role fully by learning Portuguese.
His first major decision was to bring Manchester United midfielder Casemiro back into the international fold and that move has largely been viewed as a success, restoring some much-needed experience and leadership to the centre of the pitch.
Brazil’s qualification campaign was far from convincing by their lofty standards, however. They eventually finished fifth in the CONMEBOL standings and at times looked a shadow of the dominant force football fans have become accustomed to over the years.
Part of the issue is balance. Ancelotti himself has spoken openly about trying to address it, but this squad remains overloaded with gifted wingers while lacking depth in other key areas, particularly at full-back and in central midfield. There is still enough talent to trouble anyone on their day but questions remain over whether Brazil are quite as complete as some of their fellow tournament favourites.
Ancelotti has also been dealt an early injury setback here with Neymar unavailable due to a calf problem. The veteran forward is expected to return later in the group stage but will sit out this opening fixture. Right-back Wesley is also absent through injury, further reducing Brazil’s options in one of their thinner positions.
Neymar’s absence should secure Lucas Paqueta an even more influential creative role, while Vinicius Junior remains the headline act in attack. Raphinha is expected to start on the opposite flank, with Matheus Cunha leading the line in a fluid front four capable of causing problems for any defence in the competition. Igor Thiago of Brentford is also pushing for a start after a fine season in England with the Bees.
Morocco arrive at this World Cup carrying significant expectations after establishing themselves as one of the strongest international sides outside football’s traditional powerhouses.
Walid Regragui remains at the helm and has overseen a gradual evolution of the squad that famously reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
While several fresh faces have been integrated, the identity of the side remains largely unchanged – disciplined without the ball, difficult to break down and devastating when opportunities arise to counter attack.
The Atlas Lions also experienced a memorable Africa Cup of Nations campaign, eventually losing the final to Senegal before later being retrospectively awarded the title following a controversial post-tournament ruling. While the circumstances were unusual, that tournament only reinforced Morocco’s status as one of the continent’s leading football nations.
Preparation for this tournament has not been entirely smooth, however. Real Sociedad centre-back Nayef Aguerd and Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli have both withdrawn from the squad through injury, with Ezzalzouli's absence particularly frustrating given he was widely expected to start this opener. Regragui has called up Angers winger Amine Sbai and defender Marwane Saadane as replacements but neither is expected to force their way into the starting XI immediately.
Even so, Morocco remain packed with quality. Achraf Hakimi continues to be one of the world's premier attacking full-backs, while Sofyan Amrabat provides the steel and leadership in midfield. Further forward, PSV's Ismael Saibari, Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz and rising star Bilal El Khannouss offer plenty of technical quality and creativity.
If Morocco are to spring an upset here, it will likely come through the same blueprint that has served them so well in recent years – stubborn defending, tireless organisation and ruthless execution on the break.
“It really feels like we have our first powerhouse clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup here with the mighty Brazil squaring off against African champions and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco.
“The market seems strong on the Samba Boys and while I think they are worthy favourites, I’m not sure I’d be rushing to back Ancelotti’s men at a skinny enough 1.73 against real quality opposition.
“I think the draw is bang in play here. With Haiti and Scotland looking very manageable opponents in this group for both sides, this feels more like an ideal foot into the tournament. Both will want to win it, but at the end of the day, a draw would be absolutely fine too.
“I’m not going to get heavily involved in this game though, so I’ll reluctantly swerve a wager on the stalemate. I think this is a game to sit back, enjoy and, crucially, learn a lot about two of the outright market’s most interesting runners.
“I can see the case for goals too, with Brazil packed with flair in attack but looking questionable in defence. It’s a shame Morocco must now go without in-form forward Ezzalzouli but I do like his probable replacement, El Khannouss, too.
“My only play on this game will be a speculative anytime goalscorer wager on a player unlikely to start, but equally, quite capable of making a telling impact from the bench.
“Danilo Santos has been a revelation since returning to his homeland with Botofogo from a frustrating spell at Nottingham Forest. Seven goals in 12 matches has seen the versatile midfielder force his way into Ancelotti’s plans and with two goals in Brazil’s last three competitive matches, he has firmly played his way into contention.
“The problem with this bet is that I don’t expect him to start. For official purposes, that would mean if he comes on for two minutes at the end, it’s a loser. But I’m happy to take a risk with 6/1 available.
“Ancelotti has said he’ll happily drop superstars if it means giving the team a more rounded approach and I feel Danilo is one man who could benefit from that. With his sparkling goalscoring form for club and country, it would be no surprise to see him introduced to good effect here.
“Ultimately,It’ll give me a speculative small play. It's been a profitable start to the tournament for me and there's no need to give loads back for the sake of it. This is one for the football lover! ”
1pt - Danilo Santos anytime goalscorer - 6/1 (LiveScore Bet)
Total staked - 1pt
All prices correct as of 10pm on Friday June 12th, 2026. 18+. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
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