Image: from ChrisSweetmanB X @cfcchris17
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Five-time world champions Brazil were held to a 1,1 draw by Morocco in a captivating Group C clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as both sides opened their campaigns with a point at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
In a match played at the venue that will host the tournament final, Brazil and Morocco delivered an intense and high-quality contest, with goals from Ismael Saibari and Vinícius Júnior highlighting a lively first half.
Morocco, one of the tournament’s most closely watched teams after its historic run in recent international competitions, struck first in the 21st minute. Midfielder Ismael Saibari finished off a well-worked attacking move, beating the Brazilian defence to give the North Africans a deserved lead and briefly silence the large contingent of Brazilian supporters.
The response from Carlo Ancelotti’s side was swift. Brazil gradually increased the pressure and found the equaliser in the 32nd minute through Vinícius Júnior, who produced a moment of individual brilliance. The Real Madrid star cut inside before firing a superb strike past the Moroccan goalkeeper, restoring parity and reigniting the contest.
The opening 45 minutes were played at a frantic pace, with both teams creating opportunities and showing attacking intent. However, after the interval, the match settled into a more tactical battle. Brazil controlled more possession, while Morocco remained disciplined defensively and dangerous on the counterattack.
Despite several promising moves from both sides, neither team managed to secure a decisive breakthrough. The defensive organisation of the Moroccan backline frustrated the Brazilian forwards, while Brazil’s defence remained alert to the pace and movement of Morocco’s attackers.
The draw leaves Brazil and Morocco level on one point at the top of Group C, pending the outcome of the other opening fixture between Haiti and Scotland in Foxborough. Both sides will take positives from the encounter, with Brazil demonstrating resilience after falling behind and Morocco once again proving capable of competing with one of football’s traditional giants.
For Ancelotti, the result offers an early indication of the challenges awaiting Brazil in a highly competitive tournament. At the same time, Morocco’s composed display reinforces the belief that they can once again be among the World Cup’s surprise packages.
As the 2026 tournament gathers momentum, the Group C battle already promises to be one of the most intriguing, with all four teams still very much in contention after an entertaining opening day.
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