Morocco and Brazil are locked in a tight battle in their Group C opener at the 2026 World Cup, with the reigning African champions once again demonstrating their quality on the global stage.

After clinching the Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year under unusual circumstances, Morocco entered the tournament with confidence, and their first-half performance reflected that. Despite a slightly nervy conclusion to the half, the North African side dominated proceedings for much of the opening period.

Their spirited display evoked memories of their remarkable run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, which was widely hailed as one of football’s greatest underdog stories. Yet, their current showing against Brazil suggests they deserve recognition as genuine contenders rather than surprise performers.

If Brazil are considered among the favourites to lift the trophy in this expanded 48-nation tournament, then Morocco’s strong showing proves they belong in the same conversation. However, the perception of the match could have been very different had Igor Thiago taken his chance early on.

In the 14th minute, the Brentford and Brazil striker squandered a golden opportunity from inside the six-yard box, sending his header well wide of the target while the score was still 0-0. The effort, measured at 0.52xG, was an astonishing miss for such a clear-cut chance in open play. Just ten minutes later, Morocco capitalised by taking the lead.

Working as a pundit for the BBC, former Uruguay manager and player Gus Poyet was left stunned by Thiago’s miss. “I cannot say what I said about his miss off-air,” Poyet admitted, visibly astounded by the Brazilian forward’s failure to convert.

Poyet’s reaction summed up what many fans were thinking, as Thiago’s error could prove pivotal in the outcome of the match. Morocco now have an opportunity to build on their first-half dominance and turn Thiago’s blunder into a defining moment in the contest.

Morocco’s recent Africa Cup of Nations triumph came under controversial circumstances after Senegal were disqualified post-final, but this World Cup offers the perfect stage for them to prove they are worthy champions of Africa. Their performance against a world-class Brazil side is a strong statement of intent as they aim to go deep in the tournament once again.