Brazil held to 1-1 draw by Morocco in sweltering World Cup opener

Brazil and Morocco kicked off their 2026 men's World Cup campaigns with a 1-1 draw in a match played under intense heat in New Jersey. The result places both teams at the top of Group C for the time being, ahead of Scotland and Haiti who were scheduled to play later. Morocco started the game stronger, pressing Brazil effectively and causing problems for the South American giants, who appeared sluggish initially. The North Africans took the lead in the 21st minute when Brahim Díaz provided a through ball to Ismael Saibari. Saibari skillfully chipped the ball over goalkeeper Alisson to put Morocco ahead.

Brazil's equalizer came against the run of play in the 32nd minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Vinicius Jr. Receiving the ball on the left, he cut inside, struck it with his right foot, and fired it into the far corner. This goal balanced the match, and the score remained 1-1 at halftime. The second half proved to be a rather dull affair, with neither team creating significant clear-cut chances despite several promising positions. It seemed evident that both sides were largely satisfied with securing a draw, given their pre-match status as the strongest contenders in the group.

The match concluded with the 1-1 scoreline at MetLife Stadium. Brazil's next fixture is against Haiti, while Morocco will face Scotland. The game highlighted Morocco's tactical discipline and ability to exploit Brazil's initial slow start, while Brazil showcased their capacity to find a way back into the game through individual skill. However, the overall lack of attacking threat in the second half suggested a cautious approach from both teams, possibly influenced by the high stakes and the challenging weather conditions.