Brazil draws Morocco 1-1 in World Cup opener

In a highly anticipated clash of favorites, Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The match, held in front of a sold-out crowd of approximately 80,000 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, saw Morocco take the lead in the 21st minute.

Ismael Saibari scored a spectacular chip shot for Morocco after a precise through ball from Brahim Díaz. The goal put the African champions ahead, stunning the Brazilian side. However, Brazil's superstar Vinícius Jr. responded just eleven minutes later with a brilliant individual effort, leveling the score in the 32nd minute. His powerful strike found the far corner, igniting the Brazilian fans in attendance.

The second half saw a more cautious approach from both teams, with neither side creating significant scoring opportunities. The focus shifted to avoiding mistakes, and the match ultimately ended in a stalemate. This result extends Brazil's impressive streak of remaining undefeated in their opening World Cup match, a record that now spans 21 games since 1934.