SynopsisBrazil's quest for a sixth World Cup title begins amidst a somber mood following the death of 1970 World Cup winner Brito. Coach Carlo Ancelotti faces significant challenges with a growing injury list, including key players like Neymar, Rodrygo, and Estevao, impacting their opening match against an ambitious Morocco side.ReutersFIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil football team Brazil's latest attempt to end a long wait for a sixth World Cup title begins on Saturday, but the build-up to their opening match has been anything but smooth. The five-time world champions start their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against an ambitious Morocco side in Group C, a fixture that already looked challenging before a growing injury list created fresh concerns for coach Carlo Ancelotti.However, the football crazy nation Brazil suffered a heartbreaking moment before their team started the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament. The nation was mourning the death of Brito, one of the defenders from the country's famous 1970 World Cup-winning team. He was 86.Click here to track all live developments on FIFA World Cup 2026The Brazilian Football Confederation announced on Thursday that Brito had died. No further details were provided.Brito represented Brazil 61 times between 1964 and 1972. He appeared at the 1966 World Cup and became an important part of the national team's defence alongside Wilson Piazza during his international career.The former centre back remains a respected figure in Brazilian football history because of his role in the side that lifted the World Cup in Mexico in 1970, a team widely regarded as one of the greatest ever assembled.Tributes quickly followed after news of Brito's death emerged."Brito left us as one of the greatest defenders in the history of Brazilian football," Brazilian Football Confederation president Samir Xaud said in a statement. "His contribution to the 1970 World Cup victory will be eternally remembered by all of us."Click here to check FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule Indian TimeBrito's success with Brazil was not limited to the World Cup. He was also part of the national teams that won the Copa Roca in 1971 and the Taca Independencia in 1972.Xaud also paid tribute to the former defender's character and what he represented to future generations of Brazilian players."I pay my respects to this idol of our country," Xaud said. "May his fighting spirit be an inspiration to our players who will compete in the World Cup."The timing of the news has added an emotional layer to Brazil's World Cup opener. The country with the most World Cup titles in history will begin its latest chase for a sixth crown against Morocco on Saturday carrying the memory of one of its former champions.Brazil arrived in North America hoping the experienced coach Carlo Ancelotti could guide them back to the top of world football. However, his task has become far more complicated because of injuries affecting several key players.Brazil have been hit hard by fitness problems in the lead-up to the Morocco match.Rodrygo, Estevao, Eder Militao and Wesley have all been ruled out despite being viewed as potential starters. Neymar will also miss the opening game as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.There is still uncertainty over when Neymar might return during the tournament and what level he will be able to reach once he is back available.The injury setbacks have forced Ancelotti to rethink parts of his team. Brazil still possess a strong central defensive partnership in Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes, but problems have emerged on the right side of defence.With Wesley unavailable and the versatile Militao also absent, Ancelotti must find a different solution. Danilo and Ibanez are both competing for the right-back position, while midfielder Ederson is another possible option.Further forward, much of Brazil's attacking responsibility is expected to fall on Vinicius Jr. Ancelotti worked closely with the winger at Real Madrid and played a major role in helping him develop into one of football's most dangerous attacking players.While Brazil deal with injuries and emotions, Morocco arrive with growing confidence and a recent World Cup record that demands respect.The North Africans were one of the biggest stories of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They stunned Spain and Portugal before eventually losing to France in the semi-finals.Built around a generation of players developed in the academies and leagues of Spain and France, Morocco return to the World Cup with a squad capable of causing problems for any opponent.That makes Brazil's opening match far from a comfortable introduction to the tournament.Brazil remain among the favourites because of the quality still available in their squad. As the World Cup begins, the five-time champions must cope with the loss of a national hero, navigate a growing injury crisis and overcome a tricky Morocco side before they can even start thinking about lifting a sixth world title.Read More News onRead More News on