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The Brazilian team did not look in good shape in its first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The record five-time champion Brazil team initially lagged behind in the Group C match against Morocco but managed to achieve a 1-1 draw thanks to Vinicius Junior’s goal. Brazilian star Neymar, who was recovering from an injury to his right calf, did not play in this match.

Brazil has not won the title since 2002 and the pressure on it was clearly visible. On the other hand, the Moroccan team started aggressively. The Moroccan team, which reached the semi-finals four years ago, took 12 shots on Brazil’s goal in the first 30 minutes. Meanwhile, it took the lead with the goal scored by Ismail Saibari in the 21st minute. He scored this goal with a brilliant chip shot over goalkeeper Alison Baker.

Vinicius equalized

Vinicius Junior scored the equalizing goal in the 32nd minute. Vinicius advanced from the left flank, exchanging passes with Bruno Guimarães. He beat Neal El Ainaoui and fired a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Yassine Bonu for his 10th international goal. Vinicius and Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti did not appear happy with the team’s performance.

Vinicius said, ‘We had a very bad start. We definitely have to control the ball. We have to show a better game going forward. Ancelotti said, ‘Our team looked restless in the beginning. She was looking stressed. She looked quite unbalanced. Moroccan coach Mohamed Oubi looked pleased with his team’s performance. He said, ‘We are satisfied with the draw. We are not very excited.

Defeat in the opening match after 92 years

The crowd of 80,663 at MetLife Stadium was dominated by Brazil fans wearing bright yellow jerseys. His supporters expected a flowing, entertaining game from the Pelé era but Morocco kept them at bay until Vinicius scored the equaliser.

Brazil may not have won, but they have extended their unbeaten run in World Cup openers to 21 matches, including 17 wins, since losing to Spain in 1934. Sixth-ranked Brazil and seventh-ranked Morocco are the only teams in the top-10 who were face to face in the first round of this 48-nation World Cup.

Ancelotti said, ‘We should not lose courage. The World Cup title is not won on the basis of the first match. Brazil face Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday (June 19) and then play their final Group C match against Scotland in Miami Gardens, Florida. Morocco faces Scotland in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Friday and then takes on Haiti in Atlanta.