7M - Stalemate in East Rutherford: Brazil and Morocco Share Points in World Cup Opener

Heavyweight contenders Brazil and Morocco kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaigns with a thrilling 1-1 draw in front of a packed crowd of over 80,000 at MetLife Stadium. As the only two top-10 nations pitted together in the group stage of this newly expanded 48-team tournament, the highly anticipated Group C clash lived up to its billing with intense physical battles and tactical drama.

Operating without talismanic forward Neymar, who was sidelined due to a calf issue, the Seleção struggled early on to contain a vibrant Moroccan side. The African powerhouses broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Brahim Díaz exploited a defensive miscommunication in the Brazilian backline, delivering a clinical through ball to Ismael Saibari, who deftly lofted the ball over Alisson Becker. However, Brazil responded just 11 minutes later when Vinícius Junior combined beautifully with Bruno Guimarães on the left flank before unleashing a fierce right-footed drive into the far corner.

While the spoils were shared, the result successfully preserved Brazil's historic 92-year unbeaten record in World Cup opening fixtures. The stalemate leaves Group C finely poised, especially after Scotland's comfortable 2-0 victory over Haiti earlier in the weekend. The South American giants will look to secure their first win against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday, while Morocco face a crucial encounter against group leaders Scotland in Foxborough.