Brazil Draws Morocco in World Cup Opener

Brazil played to a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opening match on Saturday in New Jersey. Vinicius Junior scored an equalizer for Brazil in the 32nd minute, responding to Ismael Saibari's 21st-minute for Morocco. This result marks an uncertain start for Brazil, who are pursuing a record sixth World Cup title.

Morocco, a 2022 semi-finalist, took an early lead when Saibari capitalized on a pass from Brahim Diaz, chipping the ball over Brazil's goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Vinicius Junior, receiving the ball from Bruno Guimaraes, leveled the score with a shot into the far corner past Yassine Bounou. Despite additional attempts from both sides, including saves by Bounou and Alisson, the score remained unchanged.

Brazil, under foreign coach Carlo Ancelotti, finished fifth in South American qualifying. The team played without Neymar, who is recovering from a calf injury. Brazil's next match is against Haiti, while Morocco will face Scotland.