Vinicius Junior struck a timely equaliser as Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their Group C opener at the FIFA 2026 World Cup in New Jersey on Saturday.
Ismael Saibari gave Morocco a deserved first-half lead with a clever chipped finish in the 21st minute, but Vinicius produced a moment of brilliance to earn Brazil a share of the spoils in a pulsating encounter at MetLife Stadium.
Brazil are chasing a record sixth World Cup title, 24 years after lifting the trophy for the last time in 2002, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side showed there is still work to be done if they are to end that long wait.
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Former Brazil stars Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Kaka, all members of the country’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad, were among those in attendance.
Ancelotti Begins World Cup Quest Without Neymar
Ancelotti, appointed to revive Brazil’s fortunes, became the first foreign coach to lead the Selecao at a World Cup. The Italian has insisted his squad possesses the quality to compete with anyone in the expanded 48-team tournament despite Brazil’s disappointing fifth-place finish in South American qualifying.
The five-time champions were without Neymar, their all-time leading scorer, who remains sidelined with a calf injury and has not featured for Brazil since 2023.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi had urged his players not to fear their illustrious opponents, and the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists responded with a confident display from the opening whistle.
After early threats from Neil El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi, Morocco took the lead when Brahim Diaz threaded a superb pass through to Saibari. The PSV Eindhoven forward burst past Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes before coolly lifting the ball over advancing goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Vinicius Delivers When Brazil Needed Him Most
Brazil responded 11 minutes later through Vinicius, who could prove pivotal to their World Cup ambitions.
The Real Madrid winger collected a pass from Bruno Guimaraes on the left side of the penalty area, cut inside onto his right foot and unleashed a powerful strike into the far corner beyond Yassine Bounou.
The goal sparked Brazil into life. Lucas Paqueta came close to putting the South Americans ahead before the break, but Bounou reacted brilliantly to deny his acrobatic effort.
Morocco’s goalkeeper continued to impress after halftime, saving from Igor Thiago after Brazil caught the North Africans off guard with a quick throw-in. He was also equal to efforts from Raphinha and Danilo as Brazil pushed for a winner.
Morocco Hold Firm as Both Sides Settle for a Point
Morocco nearly snatched all three points when Alisson parried a long-range strike from El Aynaoui and then reacted sharply to block Ayoube Amaimouni’s follow-up effort.
Brazil remain unbeaten in World Cup opening matches since 1934 and will next face Haiti, while Morocco take on Scotland in their second Group C fixture.
The draw means Morocco’s wait for a first-ever World Cup opening-match victory continues, while Brazil’s remarkable 92-year unbeaten record in tournament openers remains intact.
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