Brazil tests NFL-style wrist technology ahead of World Cup opener against Morocco

Brazil is preparing for its World Cup opener against Morocco, with both teams set to mark a coaching milestone. For Brazil, the match is part of the push to win a sixth world title, while Carlo Ancelotti will be managing his first major tournament game in his current role. Morocco coach Mohamed Maby is also about to coach in a major tournament for the first time, and this will be his debut on a senior national team bench.

During Brazil’s final training session, attention turned to a new piece of technology worn by several players. Centre backs Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes were seen with special wristbands that look like simple protective accessories but are designed to help players remember plays, set pieces and instructions. The devices, called “Wrist Coaches” or “Play Bracelets,” are best known from the NFL, where they are used by quarterbacks and defenders.

In Brazil’s version, the wristbands function like a “tablet on the wrist,” giving players instant access to information from the coaching staff. According to local reporting cited in the article, the Brazilian federation has invested in advanced equipment for the World Cup in order to give the squad the best possible conditions and gain an edge through small details.

On the field, recent training suggests Matheus Cunha is likely to start up front against the Atlas Lions, with Igor Thiago expected to begin on the bench and change the team’s attacking approach later in the match. Ancelotti’s projected lineup is Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes and Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta; Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha. Only Gabriel Magalhaes, Bruno Guimaraes and Cunha were not in Brazil’s opening lineup at the previous World Cup in Qatar, when Thiago Silva partnered Marquinhos in central defense, Richarlison led the attack and Neymar played as a No. 10.