EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Vinicius Junior scored a stunning equalizer as Brazil and Morocco shared the points in a high-quality 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opener on Saturday.In one of the standout matches of the opening round, Morocco struck first through Ismael Saibari in the 21st minute after capitalizing on a defensive mistake by the five-time world champions.The Atlas Lions became the first Moroccan team to score against a South American nation at a World Cup, with Saibari coolly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alisson Becker after being played through on goal.Brazil responded 11 minutes later when Vinicius combined with Bruno Guimarães before creating space and unleashing a powerful strike into the roof of the net for his 10th international goal.Both sides continued to attack after the break, pressing high and creating chances, but disciplined defending and strong goalkeeping ensured neither team could find a winner before the final whistle.**media[2721833]**The result leaves Morocco top of Group C ahead of Brazil on FIFA’s fair play tiebreaker after both teams finished level on points and goal difference.Brazil, seeking a first World Cup title since 2002, extended its unbeaten run in tournament openers to 21 matches, while 2022 semifinalist Morocco once again showed it can compete with the world’s elite on football’s biggest stage.Brazil will face Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday before taking on Scotland in its final group match. Morocco will meet Scotland in Foxborough before concluding the group stage against Haiti in Atlanta.
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Vinicius Junior scored a stunning equalizer as Brazil and Morocco shared the points in a high-quality 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opener on Saturday.In one of the standout matches of the opening round, Morocco struck first through Ismael Saibari in the 21st minute after capitalizing on a defensive mistake by the five-time world champions.The Atlas Lions became the first Moroccan team to score against a South American nation at a World Cup, with Saibari coolly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alisson Becker after being played through on goal.Brazil responded 11 minutes later when Vinicius combined with Bruno Guimarães before creating space and unleashing a powerful strike into the roof of the net for his 10th international goal.Both sides continued to attack after the break, pressing high and creating chances, but disciplined defending and strong goalkeeping ensured neither team could find a winner before the final whistle.**media[2721833]**The result leaves Morocco top of Group C ahead of Brazil on FIFA’s fair play tiebreaker after both teams finished level on points and goal difference.Brazil, seeking a first World Cup title since 2002, extended its unbeaten run in tournament openers to 21 matches, while 2022 semifinalist Morocco once again showed it can compete with the world’s elite on football’s biggest stage.Brazil will face Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday before taking on Scotland in its final group match. Morocco will meet Scotland in Foxborough before concluding the group stage against Haiti in Atlanta.
