Best Bet: Brazil Win $1.55 · Value: Vinicius Jr to Score or Assist $1.85
Published 14 June 2026 · Odds: Sportsbet · 18+
This is the marquee match of the opening weekend. Brazil carry the full weight of a nation’s expectation after two consecutive quarter-final exits — eliminated by Belgium in 2018 and by Croatia on penalties in 2022. For a country that defines its identity through football and has not lifted the trophy since 2002, those exits have left a deep scar. There is a palpable sense within this squad that 2026 is the moment they finally deliver. The pressure is enormous, but so too is the talent. Brazil have assembled what many regard as the most gifted attacking group they have sent to a World Cup in a generation, and this opener against Morocco is where the mission begins in earnest.
Brazil’s attacking firepower is genuinely exceptional. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid) is the heartbeat of the side — a Ballon d’Or-calibre performer whose directness, pace and finishing make him almost unplayable on his best days. Behind him, Raphinha has emerged as one of the most complete wide forwards in European football during his time at Barcelona, contributing goals and assists with remarkable consistency. Rodrygo adds a third dimension — an intelligent, technically precise attacker capable of finding space in tight situations and delivering in big moments, as he has done repeatedly for Real Madrid in the Champions League. The creative depth behind this trio means Brazil can hurt teams in multiple ways and through multiple channels. Morocco will need to be at their very best to contain them.
Morocco arrive at this tournament with enormous credibility. Their Qatar 2022 campaign — reaching the semi-finals, defeating Spain and Portugal along the way — remains the greatest achievement in African football at a World Cup. That run was built on an extraordinarily organised defensive structure, exceptional team spirit, and the ability to execute game plans with tactical precision. Achraf Hakimi, the PSG fullback, remains their most dangerous attacking weapon — a player capable of single-handedly changing games with his pace and delivery from right-back. Morocco will not simply try to absorb Brazil; they will look to play on the counter and use Hakimi’s runs to create danger. But defensively, they conceded just six goals across the entire Qatar 2022 campaign — a remarkable figure that underscores the solidity of their back line.
Our read is straightforward: Brazil’s individual quality is the deciding factor. Morocco will make this competitive — they always do — and there is a real possibility this match does not open up until the second half. But the Selçao have too much attacking depth for Morocco to contain for ninety minutes. Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, and Rodrygo will create chances, and against a defence that, however disciplined, does not have the raw quality of the European heavyweights, Brazil should find a way through. The MetLife crowd — which will be overwhelmingly Brazilian — adds to the atmosphere and the momentum. Brazil Win at $1.55 is our primary play, backed by Vinicius Jr to Score or Assist at $1.85.
Anytime goalscorer and score/assist markets. Approximate odds — confirm before placing. Our picks highlighted in green.
| Player | Team | Anytime Scorer | Score or Assist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinicius Jr | Brazil | $2.20 | $1.85 ⭐ |
| Raphinha | Brazil | $2.80 | $2.10 |
| Rodrygo | Brazil | $3.00 | — |
| Achraf Hakimi | Morocco | — | $3.50 |
Brazil: No confirmed absences at time of writing. Brazil name a full-strength squad for the opener. Morocco: No major injury concerns reported. Full squad available.
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Tips are editorial opinions only. Odds correct at time of publishing — always confirm before placing. 18+ only. Gamble responsibly. Gambling Help: 1800 858 858 · gamblinghelponline.org.au.