Morocco started their FIFA World Cup 2026 marketing campaign with a powerful 1-1 draw towards Brazil, as Ismael Saibari's first-half strike was cancelled out by Vinicius Junior in a charming Group C encounter at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The Atlas Lions have been the brighter facet from the opening whistle, displaying no worry towards the five-time world champions. Mohamed Ouahbi's males dominated the early exchanges, registering 5 pictures throughout the first 10 minutes whereas Brazil struggled to settle into the competition.
Morocco's constructive strategy was rewarded within the twenty first minute. Brahim Diaz threaded a superbly weighted through-ball between Brazil's central defenders, permitting Saibari to race by means of on purpose earlier than delicately chipping the advancing Alisson Becker to offer the North Africans a deserved lead.
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Achraf Hakimi practically doubled the benefit moments later, solely to see his low effort drift narrowly broad of the far publish.
Brazil progressively grew into the sport and located an equalizer within the thirty second minute by means of Vinicius Junior. The Actual Madrid star reduce inside earlier than unleashing a robust strike past Yassine Bounou, marking his fiftieth look for Brazil with a memorable purpose.
Lucas Paqueta practically accomplished the turnaround earlier than halftime, however Bounou produced a nice save to maintain the scores stage.
The second half proved way more cautious, with each groups displaying higher defensive self-discipline. Brazil loved extra possession however struggled to create clear-cut alternatives towards a well-organised Moroccan backline.
Because the match entered stoppage time, Morocco got here agonisingly near snatching all three factors. Neil El Aynaoui's long-range effort compelled Alisson into a pointy save, earlier than the Brazilian goalkeeper reacted brilliantly once more to disclaim Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab on the rebound.
The 1-1 outcome extends Brazil's exceptional report in World Cup openers, with the Seleção now unbeaten of their first match match since 1934.
For the Atlas Lions, the draw is one other assertion of intent following their historic World Cup run in Qatar 2022 and makes them critical contenders to problem for the highest spot in Group C.
