Vinicius drags Brazil level with Morocco in World Cup opener

Brazil started their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco in New Jersey, relying on a moment of individual brilliance from Vinicius Junior to salvage a point. Morocco took the lead in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari latched onto a pass from Brahim Diaz, outpaced the Brazilian defence and chipped the ball over goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Brazil responded 11 minutes later through Vinicius, who received the ball from Bruno Guimaraes on the left edge of the area, cut back onto his right foot and fired into the far corner past Yassine Bounou.

Carlo Ancelotti became the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a World Cup, tasked with ending a 24-year title drought. The team's fifth-place finish in South American qualifying highlighted the challenges ahead. Brazil were without Neymar, who has not played for his country since 2023 due to a calf injury. Despite the absence, Ancelotti has insisted the squad is capable of competing in the expanded 48-team tournament.

Morocco, who reached the semifinals in 2022, impressed with their confident start. Neil El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi both threatened early before Saibari's opener. After the equaliser, Brazil pushed for a winner: Lucas Paqueta saw his acrobatic effort saved, and Bounou made stops from Igor Thiago, Raphinha and Danilo. Morocco nearly snatched victory at the death when Alisson parried a long-range shot from El Aynaoui and then blocked the follow-up from Chemsdine Talbi.

Brazil will face Haiti in their next Group C match, while Morocco take on Scotland. The result leaves both teams with one point each, setting up a competitive group stage.