World Cup 2026: Vinícius Júnior finds the equalizer as Brazil ties 1-1 with Morocco

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — On a scorching Saturday evening at MetLife Stadium, Brazil and Morocco played to an entertaining 1-1 draw in the first match of Group C pool play. The Atlas Lions were quick out of the gate, dominating possession in the first 15 minutes of the match and looking like the stronger side. Morocco was eventually rewarded with a goal in the 21st minute from forward Ismael Saibari, who chipped a perfect throughball over Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Brazil responded quickly, a bit against the run of play, thanks to some individual brilliance from Vinícius Júnior. The Real Madrid star took a pass in the box, cut back against the grain and blasted a shot past the Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou to tie the game 1-1. At halftime, Brazil had the majority of the possession (54%), but it was Morocco that had generated more expected goals (1.22 to Brazil's 0.85). Brazil looked much better in the second half, controlling the game for the majority of the half and generating more goal-scoring chances. Ultimately, even after 10 long minutes of stoppage time, the game ended in a draw. Both these teams will most likely be heard from in the knockout round. Brazil will next face Haiti in Group C play on Friday from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. at 8:30 p.m. ET. Morocco faces Scotland at 6 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, also on Friday.