When Brazil and Morocco meet at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, one of the tournament’s most intriguing individual battles will play out on the wing.
On one side will be Vinicius Junior, Brazil’s attacking spearhead, and on the other will be Achraf Hakimi, arguably the best attacking full-back in contemporary world football and the undisputed leader of Morocco’s golden generation.
However, Vinicius made it clear ahead of Brazil’s opening match that personal milestones are not on his mind as the Selecao look to end a long trophy drought.
«I’m not about individual titles. I’m not here to be the MVP. I’m here to help Brazil win a sixth World Cup title,» he said.
The Real Madrid winger arrives with both expectation and experience. Vinicius believes Qatar’s disappointment has sharpened the team’s focus as part of the Brazilian team that was knocked out by Croatia in the quarter-finals four years ago.
«The last World Cup taught me that we have to be prepared until the last minute of the match. We have to do things differently,» he said.
Now working under Carlo Ancelotti at international level after years together in Madrid, Vinicius says he feels physically ready for what he describes as the most important tournament of his career.
‘Brazil of Africa’
However, Morocco has no intention of giving the Brazilian star names even an inch of free space. Hakimi acknowledged Vinicius’ quality, but emphasized that the Atlas Lions have prepared thoroughly for the challenge.
«I think everyone knows the Brazilian national team. We know the quality of Vinicius, and I have played against him before. He is a very good player. To defend against Vinicius and the rest of the top Brazilian players, we have to defend as a team,» he said. “We have been working on that and we are ready.”
The captain highlighted Morocco’s strengths and reminded observers: «We also have quality. People call us the Brazil of Africa and we have players with great capabilities. We know the quality of both teams. We hope that luck is on our side and that we can make the most of the opportunities.»
Published on June 13, 2026
