Can Morocco derail Brazil's Hexa quest?

Brazil's pursuit of a long-awaited sixth World Cup title begins on Saturday under an uncomfortable spotlight, with Morocco standing ready to turn the tournament's biggest first major upset.

For generations, Brazil have entered World Cups as favourites. This time, however, there is an unusual sense of vulnerability surrounding the five-time champions. A lengthy injury list, years of instability and the uncertainty of a new era under Carlo Ancelotti have combined to make their Group C opener against Morocco far more dangerous than Brazil would have hoped.

While other title contenders enjoy the luxury of easing into the competition against lesser opposition, Brazil face the team that has built a reputation for disrupting football's established order.

Morocco announced themselves to the world in Qatar four years ago, becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. Along the way, they eliminated Spain and Portugal through a blend of tactical discipline, defensive resilience and fearless belief. What was initially viewed as a fairytale run has evolved into something more significant: Morocco now expect to compete with the elite rather than simply surprise them.

Their squad remains packed with players forged in the demanding environments of Spanish and French football, bringing both technical quality and big-game experience. Even amid recent turbulence, they possess enough talent to trouble any opponent.

Morocco's preparations have hardly been smooth. They endured heartbreak after losing the Africa Cup of Nations final to Senegal on home soil, only to later be awarded the title following the controversial punishment handed to their rivals after walking off the pitch in protest over a penalty decision.

The upheaval continued when respected coach Walid Regragui stepped down just three months before the World Cup. In his place came Belgian-born Mohamed Ouahbi, promoted from the youth ranks after guiding Morocco to the Under-20 World Cup title in Chile last year.

Injuries have further complicated their plans. Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli were ruled out of the 26-man squad after suffering injuries during Morocco's final friendly against Norway.

Yet Brazil's problems may be even greater.

Ancelotti's World Cup debut arrives amid a medical crisis that has stripped away several key pieces of his squad. Rodrygo, Estevao, Eder Militao and Wesley are all unavailable, while Neymar remains sidelined with a calf injury, his return date and fitness level uncertain.

Brazil still boast quality throughout their lineup. Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes offer solidity at the heart of defence, while Vinicius Jr carries the attacking burden after flourishing under Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

But questions remain. The loss of Wesley and Militao has forced improvisation at right back, with Danilo and Ibanez competing for the position and midfielder Ederson also under consideration. More broadly, Brazil are still searching for the authority and confidence that once defined them after three turbulent years marked by four different managers and repeated disappointments.

That uncertainty is precisely what makes Morocco dangerous.

The Atlas Lions thrive in chaos. They are comfortable defending deep, disciplined enough to frustrate superior opponents and opportunistic enough to punish mistakes. Brazil may possess the greater history, pedigree and individual star power, but Morocco have already shown they fear none of it.

Brazil rarely arrive quietly at a World Cup. This year, expectations are lower and questions louder. Morocco's task is to prove that Qatar was not a one-off miracle but the beginning of a new reality.

If they succeed, Brazil's dream of a sixth world crown could face its first major threat before it has truly begun.