The Match That Starts Everything
Brazil vs Morocco at MetLife Stadium on Friday June 13, 6pm ET. The two most anticipated fanbases in New York's World Cup converge: Astoria and the Ironbound for Brazil, Steinway Street and Astoria's North African corridor for Morocco. 82,500 people in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The five-time world champions against Africa's 2022 semifinalists.
The Key Matchup: Vinícius Jr. vs Hakimi
Brazil's Vinícius Jr. will occupy the right side of the attack against Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, the PSG right back who is among the best attacking full backs in world football. The question: does Ancelotti use Vinícius centrally and create a different challenge for Hakimi, or does the natural matchup define the first 45 minutes? Hakimi in 2022 showed he can handle pace and directness. Vinícius has gotten better. This is the match's most decisive individual battle.
Morocco's Defensive Setup
Regragui's Morocco conceded one open-play goal in seven matches at the 2022 World Cup. Their defensive organization — a compact mid-block that transitions to a press when Brazil have the ball in certain areas — makes them extremely difficult to break down in patterns. Brazil's best route to goal is Neymar operating in the pockets between Morocco's defensive and midfield lines, finding space where Morocco leave gaps. If Morocco sit deep and stay organized for 90 minutes, this could be closer than the pre-match market suggests.
For NYC Fans
Get to your venue by 4:30pm for a 6pm kickoff. For MetLife ticket holders: leave your hotel by 4pm at the latest. For bar watching: Nevada Smith's and Astoria's Brazilian bars will hit capacity by 5:30pm. For fan zones: Hudson Yards Big Screen is walk-up free. For the Brazilian community specifically: Astoria's restaurants and bars will be full by 5pm — arrive early or watch from outside.