Brazil began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco in New Jersey, as Vinicius Junior's brilliant goal helped the five-time champions avoid defeat in their Group C opener.
Morocco took the lead through Ismael Saibari in the first half and looked capable of causing a major upset. However, Vinicius produced a moment of individual brilliance to ensure Brazil left with a point.
While Brazil remain one of the favourites to win the tournament and claim a record sixth World Cup title, their opening performance showed that Carlo Ancelotti’s side still have significant improvements to make.
Brazil Start New Era Under Ancelotti
Brazil are attempting to end a 24-year wait for World Cup glory, having last lifted the trophy in 2002. Members of that victorious squad, including Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Kaka, were present at New York New Jersey Stadium to watch the team begin another World Cup journey.
The Brazilian Football Confederation appointed Carlo Ancelotti to guide the national team back to the top. The Italian became the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a World Cup.
Ancelotti took charge after a difficult qualifying campaign in which Brazil finished fifth in South America. Despite those struggles, he believes his squad has enough quality to challenge for the title in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Brazil entered the competition without Neymar, who is still recovering from a calf injury. The country's all-time leading goalscorer has not played for the national team since 2023.
Morocco Show Confidence From The Start
Morocco arrived at the tournament full of confidence after reaching the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi encouraged his players to play without fear against Brazil, and they responded positively.
The North Africans started brightly and created early chances. Neil El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi both tested Brazil's defence before Morocco found the breakthrough in the 21st minute.
Brahim Diaz delivered an excellent pass that released Ismael Saibari behind the Brazilian backline. The PSV Eindhoven forward sprinted past Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alisson Becker with a composed chipped finish.
Vinicius Delivers For Brazil
Morocco's goal exposed several weaknesses in Brazil's defence and increased pressure on the South American giants. However, Vinicius Junior stepped up when his team needed him most. Eleven minutes after falling behind, the Real Madrid star produced a superb equaliser.
Bruno Guimaraes found Vinicius on the left side of the penalty area. The winger cut inside onto his stronger right foot and unleashed a powerful shot into the far corner beyond Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The goal transformed Brazil's performance and gave the team fresh energy. Before the break, Lucas Paqueta nearly put Brazil ahead, but Bounou reacted well to keep out his acrobatic effort.
Brazil Push For Victory
Brazil increased the pressure after half-time as they searched for a winning goal. Bounou remained busy and made another important save when Igor Thiago was played through following a quick throw-in that caught Morocco off guard.
Raphinha and Danilo also tested the Moroccan goalkeeper, but both shots were comfortably dealt with as Morocco defended strongly. Despite Brazil's dominance in the second half, Morocco remained dangerous on the counterattack and nearly stole all three points late in the match.
Morocco Nearly Claim Famous Win
In the closing moments, Neil El Aynaoui unleashed a powerful long-range strike that forced Alisson into a save. The Brazilian goalkeeper then reacted quickly again to stop Chemsdine Talbi from scoring on the rebound.
Those chances highlighted Morocco's threat and nearly earned them a memorable victory against one of football's biggest nations.
Important Point For Both Teams
The draw leaves both teams with one point from their opening match and keeps Group C finely balanced. Brazil will now shift their focus to their next game against Haiti, where they will hope to secure their first win of the tournament. Morocco, meanwhile, will face Scotland as they continue their bid to reach the knockout rounds.
Although Brazil avoided defeat thanks to Vinicius' quality, the match showed that Ancelotti still has work to do if the Selecao are to fulfil their ambition of winning a sixth World Cup crown.