Vinícius Júnior Rescues Point for Brazil as Morocco Secures Historic Draw in 2026 World Cup Opener

Brazil and Morocco shared the spoils in a thrilling 1-1 draw during their opening Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The record five-time champions were forced to come from behind after a disciplined Moroccan side took a surprise lead early in the first half. While Brazil extended their remarkable 92-year unbeaten streak in World Cup opening matches—a record dating back to 1934—the result serves as a statement of intent for the North African giants, who demonstrated tactical maturity against the tournament favorites.

The match ignited in the 21st minute when Morocco’s Ismael Saibari found the back of the net with a sophisticated lob over Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The goal was orchestrated by Brahim Díaz, whose vision and assist sliced through the Brazilian defense. However, the lead was short-lived. In the 32nd minute, Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior showcased his individual brilliance, embarking on a solo run before unleashing a powerful strike to level the score. Despite Brazil's persistence and late pressure from players like Raphinha and Lucas Paquetá, they found it difficult to break down a resilient Moroccan backline.

Morocco’s defensive solidity was anchored by goalkeeper Yassine ‘Bono’ Bounou, who produced a string of crucial saves to preserve the draw. Most notably, Bono denied Lucas Paquetá from close range during a tense period of stoppage time. Beyond the veterans, the match saw a standout debut from 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Although his composure and technical skill drew widespread praise, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi remained characteristically grounded, stating he was not surprised by the youngster's maturity given his experience in high-stakes club competitions like the Champions League.

With both teams earning a single point, Group C remains wide open as the tournament progresses. Brazil will look to refine their clinical edge before facing Haiti in their next fixture, while Morocco will aim to build on this momentum when they take on Scotland. The stalemate highlights Morocco’s continued rise on the global stage following their historic 2022 run, proving they remain a formidable opponent for the world's elite footballing nations.