Brazil begin World Cup campaign as Scotland return to finals

PARIS: Brazil open their World Cup campaign on Saturday against Morocco in one of the most notable group-stage fixtures of the expanded 48-team tournament, while Scotland return to the finals for the first time since 1998.

The day will feature four matches. Scotland face World Cup debutants Haiti in Boston, 2022 hosts Qatar play Switzerland in Santa Clara, and Australia meet Turkey in Vancouver in the final game of the day. The tournament will conclude with the final in New Jersey on July 19.

Attention will centre on Brazil's meeting with Morocco in New Jersey. The five-time champions are being led by Carlo Ancelotti, who has been brought in to try to end Brazil's 24-year wait for another world title. Speaking on Friday, the Italian said he believed his side could challenge any opponent.

It's a new experience, it's a new responsibility to represent the country of football,

Ancelotti said.

We have a team that can compete with every team in the world, we're convinced of that. It's a team with quality and experience, and with absolute confidence that it can compete with anyone,

he added.

Brazil had a difficult South American qualifying campaign, losing six of their 18 matches and finishing fifth, a placing that in previous editions would have sent them into the play-offs. They will be without injured forwards Rodrygo and Estevao, while Neymar is also unavailable for the opening match. Ancelotti said the forward, who has not appeared for Brazil since 2023, is working his way back to fitness. That leaves added attacking responsibility on Vinicius Junior, who scored 21 goals for Real Madrid last season, with Raphinha also among Brazil's main goal threats.

Morocco arrive with recent pedigree after becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals four years ago in Qatar. They were also awarded this year's Africa Cup of Nations on home soil after a chaotic final that Senegal had initially won 1-0 after extra time before later being stripped of the victory following a walk-off protest over a late penalty decision.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who replaced Walid Regragui in March, said the match would offer an early measure of his team's level.

It's a match that will tell us where we stand, but I think we're in a good place to start this competition.

Lots of people say it's not the Brazil of old, but it's still Brazil,

he said.

Scotland back on the World Cup stage

Scotland return to the World Cup backed by their travelling support and with Scott McTominay seen as a key figure in midfield. The Napoli player has become a central figure for his national team, notably after his overhead kick in the 4-2 win over Denmark last November secured qualification for Scotland's first World Cup since 1998.

Haiti, meanwhile, will be aiming to represent their country with pride despite turmoil at home.

Australia coach Tony Popovic said he believed his team could compete above expectations at the tournament, although Turkey are expected to provide a stern opening test.

The tournament got under way on Friday with the United States beating Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles in front of a crowd of 70,000 that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise and David Beckham.