Brazil needed a moment of brilliance from Vinicius Junior to avoid defeat as the five-time world champions opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco in New Jersey on Saturday.
The Real Madrid winger cancelled out Ismael Saibari’s first-half opener after Morocco punished a sluggish start from Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
While Brazil improved after the equaliser, neither team could find a winner in a contest that exposed both strengths and weaknesses ahead of their remaining Group C fixtures.
Morocco strike first against sluggish Brazil
Morocco made the brighter start and deservedly took the lead after exploiting gaps in Brazil’s defence.
Brahim Diaz threaded a clever pass through the middle, releasing Saibari, who calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Alisson to put the African giants ahead.
Brazil struggled to impose themselves in the opening stages, with Morocco looking the more organised and dangerous side in possession.
The early setback left Ancelotti’s men searching for answers as their midfield failed to control the tempo.
However, Brazil found a route back into the match through their star winger. Given space on the edge of the area, Vinicius cut inside and unleashed a superb strike into the top corner to level the score before halftime.
Ancelotti identifies areas for improvement
The second half produced fewer clear-cut opportunities despite several tactical adjustments.
Ancelotti replaced Casemiro at the break and introduced Matheus Cunha in an attempt to inject more creativity into the attack.
Although Brazil enjoyed more possession after the interval, they struggled to break down a disciplined Moroccan defence. Vinicius remained their main attacking threat, but the decisive second goal never arrived.
After the match, Ancelotti admitted Brazil must improve following an underwhelming display.
“We have to reassess what we did in the first half… we cannot lose heart. This is the first match of the World Cup,” the Italian said.
He also defended his team selection, insisting: “The starting XI was well thought of. I will not take any criticism about the players that started the match.”
The result leaves both teams with a point from their opening match, while Ancelotti and Brazil head into their next fixture knowing significant improvement will be required if they are to challenge for a sixth World Cup title.
