Brazil Opens World Cup Campaign With Major Selection Question, Turkey Faces Australia

The 2026 World Cup continued into its third day with four matches, including Qatar against Switzerland, Brazil against Morocco, Haiti against Scotland, and Australia against Turkey. The article says Switzerland are favored against Qatar because of their experience and quality, while Brazil begin their pursuit of a sixth world title in a difficult opener. It also highlights a key clash between Australia and Turkey, where every point could matter in the race to advance.

In Qatar's second World Cup, they face Switzerland, who are appearing in their sixth straight tournament. Murat Yakin's team's best-ever finish is the quarterfinals, and they will lean on Breel Embolo, Granit Xhaka and Gregor Kobel, who is set for his first major tournament start after Yann Sommer's retirement from international duty. Qatar, who had the worst campaign ever by a host nation at the previous World Cup, won the Asian Cup and hope to carry that momentum into their first points of the tournament.

Brazil's opener against Morocco will be Carlo Ancelotti's first World Cup match as coach, while Mohamed Waehb will make his debut in a major tournament, and it is his first senior game in charge. The article says there are still many questions around the Selecao, and the match should provide early answers. Matheus Cunha is expected to start up front instead of Igor Thiago, while Morocco will be without Nayef Aguerd, who left the camp last night.

Haiti and Scotland meet in another Group C game, with Scotland returning to the World Cup after 28 years and Haiti after 52 years away. Scott McTominay has recovered from stomach pain and is expected to start, Andy Robertson will captain Scotland, and Frantzdy Pierrot is expected to lead Haiti's attack. In the Australia-Turkey match, Turkey are only at their third World Cup and their first in 24 years, and are considered favorites thanks to an attack led by Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. Australia will look to spring a surprise with players including Awer Mabil, while veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan will wear the captain's armband.