Brazil Opens World Cup Campaign With a Possible Attacking Shakeup

The 2026 World Cup is already underway, and the third day of action will feature four matches, including Qatar against Switzerland, Brazil against Morocco, Haiti against Scotland, and Australia against Turkey. The article says Brazil’s opening game could bring a surprise in attack, with Carlo Ancelotti expected to reshuffle the lineup.

In Qatar-Switzerland, the hosts are playing in their second World Cup and are hoping to build on the momentum of winning the Asian Cup. Switzerland, a regular tournament side, is appearing for the sixth straight time and has reached the quarterfinals as its best-ever result. Murat Yakin’s squad will be led by players including Breel Embolo, Granit Xhaka and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who is set for his first major-tournament start after Yann Sommer’s retirement from international duty.

Brazil begins its pursuit of a sixth title against Morocco in a difficult opening test. Both Carlo Ancelotti and Morocco coach Mohammed Wahbi are making their debuts at a major tournament, and for Wahbi it is his first senior match in charge. The article says there are many question marks around the Seleção, and that the game should reveal a lot about the team. Matheus Cunha is expected to start up front instead of Igor Thiago, while Morocco will be without Nayef Aguerd after he left camp.

Haiti meets Scotland in a clash between teams returning to the World Cup after long absences, with Scotland back after 28 years and Haiti after 52 years. Scott McTominay has recovered from stomach pain and should start, Andy Robertson will captain Scotland, and Frantzdy Pierrot is expected to lead Haiti’s attack. In Australia-Turkey, every point could matter in the race to the next round. Turkey is back at a World Cup for the third time and for the first time in 24 years, and is seen as the favorite thanks to an attacking group led by Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. Australia will look to spring an upset with players including Awer Mabil and veteran captain Mathew Ryan.