Brazil x Morocco: who will be the captain of the Seleção in the World Cup debut

Brazil begins its journey to the 2026 World Cup this Saturday (13th). At 7pm (Brasília time), the team faces Morocco, at the New Jersey Stadium, in the first round of Group C.

For his debut, Carlo Ancelotti named Marquinhos as team captain. The Paris Saint-Germain defender will be responsible for leading the team on the field in the Italian coach's first game in a World Cup.

The choice reinforces the leadership role played by the defender in recent years. At 32 years old, Marquinhos is one of the most experienced players in the squad and arrives at the World Cup as a central piece of the Brazilian defensive system. At his side will be Gabriel Magalhães, forming the starting defense duo.

The challenge, however, will not be simple. Brazil enters the field without Neymar, who will be out of the match due to a muscle injury in his right calf.

In addition, the opponent inspires attention. Morocco was a semi-finalist in the 2022 World Cup and won the last clash between the teams, 2-1, in a friendly played in 2023.

Even without defender Nayef Aguerd and striker Abde Ezzalzouli, both injured, the Moroccans have outstanding players on the international stage. The main name is Achraf Hakimi, PSG full-back and Marquinhos' clubmate. Another highlight is midfielder Brahim Díaz, from Real Madrid.

Brazil's probable lineup includes: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá; Raphinha, Vinicius Júnior and Matheus Cunha.

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Source: CNN