Brazil Held to a Draw by Morocco’s Challenge
Kathmandu. Five-time world champions Brazil were held to a 1–1 draw by Morocco in their opening Group C match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Morocco, who entered the game as a strong and confident opponent, produced an aggressive display from the start, preventing Brazil from securing the comfortable victory many had expected.
In the match played at MetLife Stadium, Morocco took the lead in the 21st minute. Ismael Saibari scored from a Brahim Diaz pass to put Morocco 1–0 ahead. From the early stages, Morocco kept constant pressure on Brazil’s defence and created repeated attacking moves toward the Brazilian goal within the opening 15 minutes.
However, Morocco’s lead did not last long. In the 32nd minute, Vinicius Junior brought Brazil back into the game with an equaliser. He scored from a Bruno Guimaraes pass to make it 1–1. The first half ended with both teams level at one goal each.
Brazil appeared slightly ahead in terms of ball possession in the first half, but Morocco looked more dangerous in creating scoring chances. Morocco’s continuous pressure kept Brazil’s defence busy. During the first half, Brazil’s Casemiro and Roger Ibanez both received yellow cards.
Brazil played the match without Neymar, who was rested due to injury. In his absence, the responsibility of leading Brazil’s attack fell mainly on Vinicius Junior and Igor Thiago. However, Morocco’s disciplined defence and quick counterattacks prevented Brazil from playing freely.
At the start of the second half, Brazil made two substitutions. Danilo replaced Roger Ibanez, who had already received a yellow card, while Fabinho came on in place of Casemiro. Brazil then tried to add more pace to their attacking play. Later, Matheus Cunha replaced Lucas Paqueta, and Luiz Henrique came on for Igor Thiago.
Morocco also made changes in the second half to maintain balance in the game. Chemsdine replaced Brahim Diaz, while Samir El Mourabet came on for Azzedine Ounahi. Toward the closing stages, goalscorer Saibari was replaced by Soufiane Rahimi.
Brazil created a few promising attacking moves in the final minutes, but Morocco’s defence stood firm. Neither side was able to score again during regulation time or added time, and the match ended in a 1–1 draw.
With the result, Brazil and Morocco earned one point each in Group C. For Brazil, the outcome is being viewed as a weaker-than-expected start for the five-time world champions. For Morocco, who reached the semifinals in the previous World Cup, the draw represents an encouraging result.
As Brazil are ranked sixth and Morocco seventh in the FIFA rankings, the match had already been considered one of the most attractive contests of the group stage. Morocco lived up to that expectation on the field. Brazil avoided defeat through their experience and individual quality, but the team will need to improve in the matches ahead.
Brazil will now face pressure to secure victories in their remaining group-stage fixtures. Morocco, meanwhile, will look to build on the point and confidence gained from their opening match.
Photos: AP
