- Brazil vs Morocco shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opener.
- The match was staged at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
- Morocco’s Ismael Saibari handed the Atlas Lions the lead before Vinicius Junior struck back for Brazil, with both goals coming in the first half.
Brazil and Morocco played out to a 1-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 draw in their opening match of Group C, staged at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday midnight.
The clash between the five-time world champions, who remain the only team to have featured in every World Cup since its inception in 1930, and the African giants was expected to be a thrilling contest.
While the more than 80,000 fans in attendance were treated to an entertaining first half, the second period failed to match the same intensity as Ismael Saibari’s opener was eventually cancelled out by Vinicius Junior’s equalizer.
ALSO READ: Brazil Squad: National football team players, fixtures, stats, and latest news 2026
Morocco bossed much of the opening half and created the first real opportunity of the match just seven minutes in. A lively run down the left by Noussair Mazraoui ended with a cross finding Neil El Aynaoui inside the box.
His low effort lacked power, however, and Arsenal defender Gabriel reacted quickly to clear the danger.
Brazil struggled to establish themselves early on as the Atlas Lions dictated proceedings. Moments later, PSG star Achraf Hakimi tried his luck with a low strike from the right wing, but his effort drifted wide.
After several misplaced passes in midfield, Brazil finally carved out their first clear chance in the 13th minute.
Vinicius Junior reached the byline and squeezed past Hakimi before delivering a dangerous cross into the six-yard area.
Igor Thiago misjudged his header and bounced it into the ground, but it was at least a sign of life from the South Americans.
Just as Brazil were finding their rhythm, they were caught sleeping at the back. The North Africans managed to draw first blood through a slick attack: an incisive attacking move saw Brahim Diaz thread a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Ismael Saibari.
With Alisson rushing off his line to confront the PSV forward and the Brazilian defenders slow to recover, Saibari calmly lifted the ball over the Liverpool goalkeeper and into the empty net.
Having spent large spells second best, Carlo Ancelotti’s men found a response shortly after the half-hour mark.
ALSO READ: Morocco squad: national football team players, fixtures, stats and latest news 2026
Vinicius Junior restored parity with a superb finish after Morocco briefly switched off defensively.
The Real Madrid star exchanged passes with Bruno Guimaraes before darting unmarked down the left wing. Cutting inside the box, Vinicius unleashed a powerful effort that left Bounou with no chance and brought up his 10th international goal.
The second half failed to live up to the excitement of the opening 45 minutes as both sides struggled to create meaningful opportunities.
Morocco started brightly once again, while Brazil attempted to build momentum during the closing stages.
ALSO READ: Haiti vs Scotland prediction: Match preview, team news, current form & h2h
Despite a few promising moments, neither side could find a breakthrough, forcing them to settle for a share of the spoils in their Group C opener.
Both teams will have another opportunity to register their first victory when they return to action on Saturday, June 20. Brazil will take on Haiti, while Morocco will face Scotland.
Brazil vs Morocco lineups – World Cup 2026 Group Stage – June 14, 2026
- Brazil Starting XI: Alisson; Douglas Santos, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Ibanez; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr.; Igor Thiago.
- Morocco Starting XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Brahim Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss
Want the winning edge before kickoff? Follow SportPesa Blog Kenya on Google News to get all our upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup match predictions and expert previews delivered straight to your feed!