Morocco and Brazil Share Points in World Cup Opener

Morocco held five-time World Cup champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. On June 16th, 1998, Brazil last faced Morocco in the FIFA World Cup, emerging victorious with notable performances from Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Bebeto. Following a 27-year hiatus, the two teams clashed again at the MetLife Stadium.

Morocco initiated the game with intensity, posing significant challenges to the five-time FIFA World Cup winners. Within 10 minutes, Noussair Mazraoui delivered a precise, low cross to Neil El Aynaoui, whose shot was effectively blocked by Gabriel. A mere 13 minutes into the game, Brazil was presented with a golden opportunity after Vinicius Jr.'s cross into the box was misjudged by Igor Thiago, resulting in the ball sailing over his head, thus leaving the score unchanged at 0-0.

The MetLife Stadium fell silent as Morocco opened the scoring in the 20th minute, courtesy of Brahim Diaz's expertly played through pass to Ismael Saibari, who capitalized on the opportunity with a composed chip over Allison, securing a 1-0 lead. Vinicius Jr. equalized in the 33rd minute, scoring his 10th goal in his 50th appearance for Brazil with a remarkable finish, assisted by Bruno Guimaraes' exceptional pass, thereby leveling the score at 1-1.

As the first half drew to a close, Douglas Santos delivered a cross into the box, which found Lucas Paqueta; however, the Moroccan goalkeeper Bono made an outstanding save on Paqueta's powerful volley, preserving the 1-1 deadlock. The second half began, and Brazil took control of things as they kept the ball and posed more danger. But the score remained 1-1.

Both sides looked for some help from the benches. The heat seemed to have had a huge impact on the intensity of the game as it dropped with both sides struggling to keep the tempo high after the 75th minute. Brazil came close in the 77th minute when Vini Jr played a low cross to Rafinha whose shot went straight to Bono and he comfortably scooped it.

10 minutes of additional time were played, and it was the African nation who finished stronger, with Allison having to make a crucial save in the final moments. At the final whistle, the two sides walked away with a point each. Morocco will face Scotland in six days on the very same day Brazil will battle with Haiti.