Kathmandu, June 14: Brazil’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign began with a disappointing draw as the five-time champions were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Morocco on Sunday morning.
Playing at MetLife Stadium, Morocco took the lead in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari found the back of the net after being set up by Brahim Díaz. The North Africans looked confident and carried their advantage into the latter stages of the first half.
Brazil responded in the 32nd minute through star winger Vinícius Júnior. The Real Madrid forward capitalized on a pass from Bruno Guimarães and calmly slotted home to level the score at 1-1.
The second half saw both teams push for a winner, but neither side could find the decisive breakthrough. Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker proved crucial deep into stoppage time, producing a stunning double save in the ninth minute of added time to deny Morocco and rescue a point for his side.
The result leaves both teams with one point each in Group C. The group’s other fixture will see Scotland take on Haiti later on Sunday at Boston Stadium.
Meanwhile, in Group B, Qatar and Switzerland also shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Switzerland went ahead in the 17th minute through Breel Embolo, but Qatar snatched a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time thanks to Boualem Khoukhi, ensuring both sides earned a point from their opening match.
