Vinicius scores as Brazil draw Morocco in World Cup opening-match

Morocco stun Brazil with historic first-half display, Brazil needed a moment of brilliance from Vinicius Junior to avoid a shock defeat in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the five-time champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Sport360NG reports. 

The Selecao looked vulnerable for long periods against the African champions and were staring at their first defeat in an opening World Cup fixture since 1934 before Vinicius stepped up with a crucial equaliser.

Morocco struck first in the 21st minute after a defensive mix-up involving goalkeeper Alisson Becker and centre-backs Gabriel and Marquinhos. Ismael Saibari capitalised on the confusion, brilliantly lifting the ball over the advancing Alisson from outside the penalty area to hand his side a deserved lead.

The goal carried historic significance, marking the first time Morocco had found the net against South American opposition at a World Cup after previous scoreless encounters against Peru in 1970 and Brazil in 1998.

Vinicius Marks Milestone Appearance in Style

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side continued to dictate proceedings following their opener and piled pressure on the South Americans with a series of attacks.

By the half-hour mark, Morocco had already registered 12 attempts on goal, the highest number of shots Brazil had faced in a World Cup match since meeting Mexico in the 2018 tournament.

Despite their dominance, Morocco were unable to increase their advantage, and Brazil punished that missed opportunity 13 minutes before halftime.

Making his 50th appearance for the national team, Vinicius produced a moment of individual quality. The Real Madrid forward received a pass from Bruno Guimaraes inside the box, shifted onto his preferred foot and fired a powerful effort beyond goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to restore parity.

Brazil nearly completed the turnaround before the interval when former West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta attempted an acrobatic finish in stoppage time, only for Bounou to produce an impressive save and push the ball behind for a corner.

Brazil Improve After Break but Fail to Find Winner

With several members of Brazil’s victorious 2002 World Cup-winning squad, including Ronaldo, Kaka and Roberto Carlos, watching from the stands, Carlo Ancelotti’s men showed greater urgency after the restart.

The second half was far more balanced, with clear-cut opportunities proving difficult to create for either side as both defences tightened up.

Brazil came closest to snatching all three points when Raphinha narrowly failed to connect with a dangerous low cross from Guimaraes that flashed across the face of goal.

Historic Run Continues for Brazil

While Morocco were left frustrated after letting a promising position slip, they extended their wait for a first-ever victory in an opening World Cup fixture.

Brazil, meanwhile, preserved one of football’s most remarkable records. The draw ensured the South American giants remain unbeaten in their opening World Cup match for an astonishing 92 years, keeping intact a streak that dates back to the 1934 tournament.

Although far from convincing, Ancelotti’s side escaped with a point thanks to Vinicius’ decisive intervention and will hope for a much-improved performance in their next outing.