The Brazil vs Morocco World Cup 2026 Group C opener produced one of the tournament’s most enthralling matches so far, ending 1-1 in front of a packed MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Vinícius Júnior scored an equalizing goal in the 32nd minute, giving five-time champion Brazil a draw against Morocco in a pulsating, high-profile group match.
Morocco Stun Brazil Before Vinicius Jr Fires Back
Morocco dominated early, and Ismael Saibari put the African champions ahead in the 21st minute. The goal arrived through a moment of Brazilian sloppiness Lucas Paquetá lost control of a short pass from Roger Ibañez and knocked it off Bilal El Khannouss. It bounced to Noussair Mazraoui, who sent the ball to Brahim Díaz in the center circle. His through pass split the Brazilian centre-backs, and Saibari ran onto the ball at the top of the arc. Alisson Becker was slow to come off his line and Saibari chipped the ball over the Brazil goalkeeper.
Brazil’s response was stunning. Vinícius exchanged passes with Bruno Guimarães on the left flank, took touches to make space and rifled a right-footed shot past the outstretched arm of Yassine Bounou for his 10th international goal.
Brazil’s Record and What Comes Next in Group C
Brazil are unbeaten in their opening match in the last 21 FIFA World Cups dating back to 1938. That streak remains intact just. Vinicius’s 100% winning record when scoring has now ended, however, with his previous eight goals for Brazil all coming in victories.
Neymar is still not fit enough to play, leaving Ancelotti’s side leaning heavily on Vinicius to provide the spark. Morocco, meanwhile, proved they are more than capable of threatening at the top of this group. The two sides are Group C heavyweights Brazil five-time world champions and Morocco the Qatar 2022 semi-finalists who became the first African nation to reach the last four of a World Cup.
Both teams face Haiti and Scotland respectively in their next fixtures, and a point apiece from this opener makes Group C wide open heading into matchday two.
2026 FIFA World Cup Group C: Full Preview and Predictions →
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