This is a high-stakes Group G opener and a rematch of the 2022 World Cup quarter-final — where Morocco eliminated Portugal 1-0 in one of the tournament's biggest shocks. Portugal will be desperate to avenge that defeat. Cristiano Ronaldo at 41 may be in a reduced role, but Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão and a deep squad carry Portugal's hopes.

Morocco are not the same shock-factor team they were in Qatar — they arrive in 2026 as a known, respected quantity. Achraf Hakimi is world-class at right-back and Bounou is an elite goalkeeper. This will be a tight, physical battle. Portugal's quality in attack should edge it, but Morocco's defensive organisation makes Under 2.5 goals at 1.65 the smart market.