Brazil FA President calls World Cup opener against Morocco an «honor» for the Seleção

The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Samir Xaud, has described Brazil’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Morocco as an «honor» for the Seleção, saying his team will face a side that has «impressed the world with its organization, composure and footballing identity».

In an exclusive interview with the Maghreb Arab Press Agency (MAP) in Brasília, Xaud praised Morocco’s rise on the global football stage and said the highly anticipated clash scheduled for Saturday promises to be «a magnificent football spectacle» between two footballing schools renowned for their passion, dynamism and international standing.

«Fans will undoubtedly witness a match of the highest technical quality, played with intensity, commitment and mutual respect», he said. «Starting a World Cup campaign with a fixture of this magnitude underlines the importance of preparation and focus. I am convinced this match will remain etched in footballing memory».

«Morocco’s long-term vision, its world-class infrastructure and the priority it places on youth development have helped create a far more competitive environment», he said, noting that the Kingdom’s co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal has already strengthened its international profile.

«That is something to admire and respect. World football becomes richer when new powers emerge through strong projects, and Morocco is certainly one of them», he added.

Discussing Brazil’s own outlook, the five-time world champions’ federation chief said the national team has entered a new era under Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. He explained that the aim is to combine Brazil’s traditional individual brilliance with a stronger collective balance.

While acknowledging Morocco’s historic achievement in changing global perceptions of African football, Xaud said the Kingdom «deserves every bit of recognition for that». At the same time, he stressed that Brazil’s five World Cup titles should never lead to complacency.

«Our responsibility is different. We carry an extraordinary legacy, but we also have a duty to keep evolving», he said, noting that modern football has become more competitive, more physical and increasingly strategic.

He concluded by emphasizing that success in today’s game requires more than star players. «Modern football demands organization, discipline and adaptability», he said, outlining the priorities he hopes to advance at the CBF through long-term planning, stricter financial governance, improvements to the domestic calendar and a more scientific approach to developing future talent.