Brazil 1-1 Morocco: Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled against their African opponents in New Jersey, but star forward Vinicius Junior equalized with a superb strike.
Vinicius Jr. raised to Brazilian level (Image: Getty Images)
Brazil hit back and secured a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their first group match of the 2026 World Cup in New Jersey.
Ismael Saibari’s goal midway through the first half gave the African side a commanding lead after a strong start. Vinicius Jr. delivered a stunning blow to ensure his country reached break level.
Both teams continued to trade blows throughout the match, with Morocco coming close to a surprising victory in the closing stages. But in the end, each side had no choice but to be satisfied with the stalemate.
The draw means both teams have points from their first World Cup matches, with some exciting games scheduled against both Scotland and Haiti.
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Given Brazil’s World Cup pedigree, it was surprising to see coach Carlo Ancelotti’s side wilt in the New Jersey heat from the start. Morocco had to clear Nir El Ainaoui’s shot from Nousser Mazraoui’s cutback, and Arsenal’s Gabriel got the game off to a good start.
Achraf Hakimi also scored a close goal as the African nation made a sensational start. Morocco’s start to the game was so impressive that the fans inside MetLife Stadium started “all” just 12 minutes into the game.
Igor Thiago should have halted Morocco’s momentum, but was unable to connect with Vinicius Junior’s cross.
And it came back to bite the South American team when Saibari latched on to Brahim Diaz’s perfect pass by an inch and lifted a stunning finish past Alisson. After that, Hakimi came close to doubling Morocco’s lead after a fierce pursuit.
Ismael Saibari gave Morocco the lead with a sensational start (Image: Getty Images)
Brazil was in a pinch and needed something special – and one man was certainly the man who could do it. This is Vinicius Jr. The Real Madrid winger received the ball on the left, cut inside and fired a stunning shot past Yacine Bounou.
Morocco’s goalkeeper made sure to keep Brazil at bay in the second half, stopping a low shot from Rafinha.
Alisson also had to be alert in the second half to deny a potential surprise winner by making an eye-catching double save.
As a result, Group C is in good shape, with Ancelotti’s side facing Haiti in the second leg, while Morocco are scheduled to face Scotland.
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