Brazil 1-1 Morocco: Vinícius rescues a point as the Atlas Lions make a statement

Brazil and Morocco served up the first heavyweight clash of the 2026 World Cup, and it was the underdogs who left the sold-out New York/New Jersey Stadium feeling they had announced themselves. The 2022 semi-finalists held Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil to a 1-1 draw.

A cheeky lead, a moment of magic

Morocco took the game to Brazil and were rewarded in the 21st minute. Ismael Saibari ran onto a through ball from Brahim Díaz and dinked a delicate first-time chip over Alisson — a finish worthy of the more confident side, which Morocco were for long stretches.

Brazil needed inspiration, and as so often, it came from Vinícius Júnior. Eleven minutes later the Real Madrid forward shifted inside from the left and curled a superb strike into the far corner for 1-1. It spared Brazil what would have been their first defeat in a World Cup opener since 1934.

What it means for Group C

A point apiece, but two very different moods. Morocco confirmed that their run to the 2022 semi-finals was no fluke; Brazil were left with familiar questions about a brilliant individual papering over a disjointed collective. With Scotland beating Haiti in the group's other opener, Group C is wide open. Brazil go on to face Haiti, Morocco meet Scotland — top spot is still within reach for both. Revisit the game on the match page or see the full schedule at matches.