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Brazil Favored vs Morocco; Neymar Misses Opening Match

6/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Brazil opens the 2026 World Cup against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on June 13, 2026.
Bookmakers list Brazil as a –150 favorite, Morocco at +470, the draw at +270, and total-goals line at 2.5 with the under at –125.
Neymar misses the opening match because of a calf injury.
Morocco starts Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou while missing defender Nayef Aguerd and winger Abde Ezzalzouli.

History

Historical Context

After FIFA awarded the 1994 World Cup to the United States on July 4 1988, the U.S. leveraged its existing Giants Stadium and spent about $500 million—far less than later hosts—to stage a tournament that drew a record 3,587,538 spectators. That precedent of ready venues underpins the 2026 edition, which will again showcase American stadiums.

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Story summary

Brazil opens the 2026 World Cup against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on June 13, 2026.
Bookmakers list Brazil as a –150 favorite, Morocco at +470, the draw at +270, and total-goals line at 2.5 with the under at –125.
Neymar misses the opening match because of a calf injury.
Morocco starts Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou while missing defender Nayef Aguerd and winger Abde Ezzalzouli.

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