Brazil and Morocco play out draw at World Cup 2026: Brilliant goals from Vinicius and Saibari

Brazil and Morocco played out a draw in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Group C match, held at New York New Jersey Stadium, ended 1-1.

Morocco, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, managed to challenge one of the main favourites of the tournament and opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Brahim Diaz split the Brazilian defence with a delicate pass, and Ismael Saibari ran through on goal before lifting the ball over the onrushing Alisson.

Brazil responded quickly. In the 32nd minute, Vinicius Junior received the ball from Bruno Guimaraes on the left side of the penalty area, cut inside and fired a powerful right-footed shot past Yassine Bounou. Vinicius was later named Player of the Match.

Brazil could have taken the lead before half-time when Lucas Paqueta attempted an acrobatic effort, but Bounou produced a save to keep Morocco level. In the second half, the Moroccan goalkeeper again came to his team’s rescue after Vinicius set up Raphinha.

Morocco also had a chance to snatch victory in stoppage time. Neil El Aynaoui fired from distance, Alisson made the save and then reacted quickly to smother Ayoube Amaimouni’s follow-up.

After the match, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi said his team was satisfied with its performance against one of the favourites of the World Cup.

“It was not easy, because Brazil are one of the favourites for the tournament. We drew, but we are happy with the performance. We have to improve every game, keep the positives and learn from the mistakes,” Hakimi said.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted he was not satisfied with the team’s start to the match.

“We did not start very well, and that worries me a little. We lost a lot of duels and possession, but we improved in the second half. Morocco are a good team. I expected a better start, but these things can happen. Now we have to focus on the next match,” Ancelotti said.

Interestingly, this was the first match in which a Vinicius Junior goal for Brazil did not result in a win for the Seleção. On the previous eight occasions, his goals had always helped Brazil secure victory.

Haiti and Scotland are also in Group C. Their match will take place today at 05:00 Yerevan time.

Brazil — Morocco — 1-1
Goals: Vinicius Junior, 32 — Saibari, 21.