Kathmandu: Brazil shared the points with Morocco after a 1–1 draw in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. In the Group C fixture played on Sunday morning, Brazil was held to a draw by Morocco despite coming from a goal behind.
Brazil, aiming to secure a record-extending sixth World Cup title, equalized after conceding the opening goal. The result marked the first time in eight years that Brazil failed to win its opening World Cup match. Previously, at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Brazil had also begun its campaign with a 1–1 draw against Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Brazil extended its unbeaten run in World Cup opening matches to 21 games. The last time Brazil lost its first match at a World Cup was in the tournament’s second edition in 1934, when it was defeated by Spain. Since then, Brazil has won 17 and drawn 4 of its opening World Cup matches.
The match, played at the MetLife Stadium in the New York–New Jersey area of the United States, saw both teams score in the first half.
Morocco took the lead in the 21st minute through Ismael Saibari. However, the advantage did not last long. Brazil equalized in the 32nd minute when Vinícius Júnior finished brilliantly after receiving a pass from Bruno Guimarães and dribbling past Morocco’s defenders.
