Brazil were held to a 1–1 draw by Morocco in their opening Group C match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium, officials said. Morocco dominated the first half and went ahead through Ismael Saibiri before Vinicius Junior equalised. Brazil improved after the break but failed to find a winner in a tense contest.

New Jersey: Brazil had an experienced defense line against Morocco in their opening Group C FIFA World Cup 2026 game at the New York New Jersey Stadium this weekend, but it seemed out of ideas in the first half. Moroccan trio of Ismael Saibiri, Brahim Diaz, and skipper Achraf Hakimi toyed with Casemiro and co.

Saibiri scored a goal to stun around 50,000 Brazil fans inside the stadium before Vinicius Junior restored parity. The five-time champions were outplayed in the first half and were pushed back in the first 20 minutes.

Casemiro and Roger Ibanez, who were booked and running out of ideas, were replaced after the half-time break. The five-time champions controlled the game in the second half and returned with a point. They haven’t lost an opening World Cup game since 1934, and they just managed to keep the record intact.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted a chaotic start to the game from the five-time champions. "I think this was a tough match, especially in the beginning. (We) didn’t keep a lot of ball possession. I think the team was a bit anxious, and nerves were all over the place," said Ancelotti.