Achraf Hakimi has declared himself fully prepared to neutralise Vinícius Junior when Morocco face Brazil in their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage opener at MetLife Stadium on Saturday.

The two players are set for a direct duel — Hakimi at right-back for Morocco and Vinícius on the left wing for Brazil — in what promises to be one of the most compelling individual matchups of the tournament's opening weekend.

Hakimi, who faces his fellow Paris Saint-Germain team-mate on the club stage regularly, expressed confidence that he knows what is coming. The Morocco full-back made clear he has done his homework and is under no illusions about the challenge Vinícius poses at the highest level of international football.

The Atlas Lions enter the match as one of the most exciting African sides in the competition, while Brazil arrive among the favourites to lift the trophy. Saturday's clash at MetLife Stadium will serve as an early and dramatic test of Morocco's ambitions at this World Cup.