Morocco were left to rue missed chances as Brazil fought back to secure a 1-1 draw in a high-quality Group C clash at New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday.
The Atlas Lions looked on course for a famous victory after taking the lead through Ismael Saibari, but a moment of brilliance from Vinicius Junior ensured Brazil escaped with a point in one of the standout matches of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For Morocco, the result will provide both encouragement and frustration.
Mohamed Ouahbi’s side matched one of world football’s traditional giants for long periods and came within seconds of snatching all three points in dramatic fashion.
Morocco started the stronger side and immediately showed why many regard them as Africa’s leading contenders at the tournament.
Within six minutes, Brahim Diaz tested the Brazilian defence with an effort from the edge of the area before Neil El Aynaoui saw a goal-bound strike blocked. Diaz continued to trouble Brazil and fired another effort towards goal three minutes later as the Atlas Lions dominated the early exchanges.
Brazil eventually responded through Vinicius Junior, who created a golden opportunity for Thiago after 13 minutes.
The forward delivered an inviting cross, but Thiago failed to make proper contact from close range, wasting what was Brazil’s best chance of the opening period.
Morocco’s bright start was rewarded in the 21st minute with a superbly crafted goal.
Diaz collected possession in midfield and threaded a perfectly weighted pass between Brazil’s central defenders for Saibari to run onto.
Showing remarkable composure, the midfielder lifted a delicate finish over Alisson to give Morocco a deserved lead.
The goal highlighted Morocco’s confidence and tactical discipline against opponents ranked among the world’s elite.
However, Brazil needed only one moment of quality to restore parity.
After Morocco allowed Vinicius Junior space on the edge of the box in the 32nd minute, the winger cut inside and unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner beyond Yassine Bounou.
The equaliser shifted momentum and gave Brazil renewed confidence before half-time.
Brazil nearly went ahead in stoppage time when Lucas Paqueta produced an acrobatic effort that forced Bounou into a smart save.
The South Americans made changes at the break, withdrawing both Casemiro and Ibanez after the pair had collected yellow cards during a difficult first half against Morocco’s energetic attack.
The second half was more balanced, with both sides searching for a decisive goal.
Raphinha came close for Brazil in the 78th minute after being picked out by Vinicius Junior, but Bounou was equal to the effort.
The Moroccan goalkeeper then produced another important intervention late on, racing off his line to deny Raphinha as Brazil threatened to break through.
Yet the best opportunity of the closing stages fell to Morocco.
Deep into stoppage time, El Aynaoui tested Alisson from distance. The Brazilian goalkeeper spilled the shot before recovering brilliantly to deny the follow-up effort and preserve the draw.
The result leaves both nations with a point from their opening Group C fixture. Morocco will next face Scotland on June 19, while Brazil take on Haiti on June 20.
For the Atlas Lions, the performance will strengthen belief that they can once again challenge the world’s best and continue Africa’s push for another deep World Cup run.
