Vini Jr rescues Brazil as Morocco hold five-time champions in 2026 FIFA World Cup opener

Brazil preserved one of the longest-standing records in FIFA World Cup history after Vinicius Jr's moment of brilliance earned the five-time champions a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening Group C match at MetLife Stadium.

Carlo Ancelotti's side looked set for a shock defeat after Morocco dominated large portions of the first half and deservedly took the lead through Ismael Saibari.

However, Vinicius Jr once again delivered on the biggest stage, producing a superb individual goal to ensure Brazil avoided becoming the first Selecao team since 1934 to lose its opening World Cup fixture.

Morocco make dream start

The Atlas Lions arrived in New Jersey full of confidence following their impressive rise on the international stage, and they immediately put Brazil under pressure.

Morocco's aggressive pressing unsettled the South American giants, forcing several defensive errors and creating a string of early opportunities. Their breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute.

A costly misunderstanding between goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos allowed Ismael Saibari to seize possession before calmly lifting the ball over the advancing Liverpool goalkeeper.

The goal marked a historic milestone for Morocco, becoming the first they had ever scored against South American opposition in FIFA World Cup history after previous meetings with Peru in 1970 and Brazil in 1998.

Vinicius Jr changes the game

Despite Morocco's dominance, Brazil needed only one moment of quality to restore parity. In the 32nd minute, Bruno Guimarães found Vinicius Jr inside the penalty area.

The Real Madrid winger shifted the ball onto his right foot, beat his marker with a quick change of direction, and unleashed a powerful strike beyond Yassine Bounou.

It was Vinicius' 50th appearance for Brazil and another reminder of his growing importance to the national team. His goal shifted momentum and gave Brazil renewed belief before halftime.

Brazil improve after the break

The second half saw Brazil enjoy greater control as Ancelotti's tactical adjustments began to take effect.

Lucas Paquetá came close to giving the Selecao the lead before halftime with an acrobatic effort brilliantly saved by Bounou, while Raphinha almost connected with a dangerous low cross from Bruno Guimarães after the restart.

Morocco, however, remained disciplined defensively and continued to threaten on the counterattack. Although chances became less frequent, both sides pushed for a winner without compromising their defensive structure.

Neither team could find the decisive breakthrough, forcing them to settle for a share of the points.

Brazil extend incredible World Cup record

While Brazil may be disappointed not to begin their campaign with victory, the result ensured one remarkable record remains intact. The Selecao have now gone 92 years without losing their opening match at a FIFA World Cup, a streak dating back to 1934.

For Morocco, the draw represents another significant achievement.

Although they remain without an opening-match victory at the World Cup, earning a point against one of football's greatest nations reinforces their growing reputation as one of the tournament's most dangerous sides.

Match Summary

Brazil 1-1 Morocco

Goals

• Morocco: Ismael Saibari (21')
• Brazil: Vinicius Jr (32')

With tougher fixtures still to come, both Brazil and Morocco remain firmly in contention for qualification, but the performance of the Atlas Lions served another reminder that they are capable of competing with football's biggest powers.