The curtain rises on Group C of the World Cup on Saturday night as Brazil face Morocco at MetLife Stadium.
As ever, Brazil arrive at the tournament among the favourites to lift the trophy.
However, the Selecao are not quite the dominant force of old, though they may yet have an ace up their sleeve in the shape of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The Brazilians are understandably expected to top their group, but Saturday's clash with Morocco will represent their toughest test before they take on Haiti and Scotland in the fixtures that follow.
As for Morocco, they will once again be among the dark horses after their remarkable exploits four years ago in Qatar, when they reached the semi-finals.
While winning the section could prove a tall order, the Atlas Lions will be expected to finish as runners-up at the very least.
How the bookies view it: Brazil big favourites
Given that they are among the favourites to lift the World Cup, it is no surprise to see Brazil installed as short-priced 13/20 favourites with bet365 for their opening match.
Morocco are a tempting 9/2 to hit the ground running in Group C with the same firm, while the draw looks overpriced at 11/4.
Head to head: Brazil hold the edge
Brazil and Morocco will meet in competitive action for the first time since the 1998 World Cup, when Brazil ran out comfortable 3-0 winners – and that same scoreline on Saturday night pays a whopping 12/1 with bet365. The sides have met twice since in friendlies, in 2019 and 2023, with each claiming a win.
Players to watch: Guimaraes to go for goal
Bruno Guimaraes has hit the target in four of his last nine outings for Brazil, including a goal in a friendly win over Egypt last weekend. With that in mind, the all-action Brazil midfielder stands out to land a shot on target here at 11/8 with bet365.
Brahim Diaz was drawing an average of 2.87 fouls per game during World Cup qualification and looks good value to be fouled at least twice in this contest at 5/6 with bet365.
Predicted line-ups
Ederson has been called up to the Brazil squad to replace the injured Wesley. Neymar, meanwhile, is not thought to be fully fit due to a muscle problem.
Achraf Hakimi recovered from a thigh injury to feature for PSG in their Champions League final win over Arsenal. Hakim Ziyech was a surprise exclusion from the Morocco World Cup squad.
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Henrique, Raphinha, Vinicius Jr; Cunha
Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss
Anything else catch the eye?
This Group C opener could be closer than the pre-match odds suggest, with Morocco worth supporting with a +0.75 head start at even-money (1/1) on the Asian handicap.
This selection would only result in a full-stakes loss if Morocco go down by two goals or more.
Seven of Brazil’s final 12 World Cup qualifiers featured under 2.5 goals, so a repeat here also appeals at 4/5 with bet365.
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