Vinicius Junior rescues Brazil as Morocco hold five-time champions to a draw

Brazil's 2026 World Cup campaign began with a wobble rather than a roar as Morocco held the five-time champions to a 1-1 draw in front of 80,663 fans at MetLife Stadium. It was a first competitive test for Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian who became Brazil's first foreign manager at a World Cup, and his side were given a genuine fright by an organised, ambitious Morocco.

Saibari stuns the Selecao

Morocco struck first in the 21st minute when Brahim Diaz threaded a clever through ball to Ismael Saibari, who coolly lobbed the advancing Alisson and into the net. The PSV man's finish silenced the largely pro-Brazil crowd and underlined the threat the Atlas Lions carry on the counter.

Vinicius levels with a moment of class

Brazil's response came in the 32nd minute. Vinicius Junior exchanged passes with Bruno Guimaraes on the left, carved out space with a couple of touches and rifled a right-footed shot past Yassine Bounou for his 10th international goal. Both sides had openings after the break, with Danilo going close for Brazil and Ayoube Amaimouni testing Alisson late on.

A late double save from Alisson preserved the point. The draw left a competitive Group C wide open and served notice that Morocco intend to build on their 2022 semi-final run.