Brazil were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as Vinicius Junior’s brilliant second-half strike rescued a point for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The Selecao struggled to find their rhythm for long periods and were second best against an energetic Morocco team that pressed aggressively and created the better opportunities.
Morocco took a deserved lead before the break when Ismael Saibari delicately lifted the ball over advancing goalkeeper Alisson Becker after being played through by Brahim Diaz.
The Atlas Lions continued to trouble Brazil, with Achraf Hakimi providing a constant threat from right-back and exploiting space down the flank. Morocco’s confidence grew as they pressed high and forced Brazil into repeated mistakes in possession.
Brazil found their equaliser through Vinicius Junior, who produced a moment of quality when he cut inside from the left and fired a superb strike beyond Moroccan goalkeeper Bono.
Ancelotti’s side had earlier squandered a clear opportunity when Brentford striker Igor Thiago, handed a surprise start, failed to convert a close-range header after excellent work from Vinicius.
Morocco remained organised and dangerous, with Brahim Diaz pulling the strings in attack while Bilal El Khannouss impressed during the first half. However, neither side could find a winner after the interval as chances became scarce and the match finished level.
The result leaves both teams with a point in Group C. Morocco next face Scotland in Boston, while Brazil take on Haiti in their second group match.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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