Morocco Hold Brazil as Qatar Make World Cup History with First-Ever Point

Vinicius Junior's scored a superb individual goal as five-time champions Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opener at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday.

The match was billed as one of the most anticipated matches of the opening week of the tournament where Morocco frustrated Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil and left the group wide open after a hard-fought contest.

Morocco stunned the South American giants to go ahead in the 21st minute when midfielder Ismael Saibari lifted the ball into the net after Brazil's defence cracked under sustained pressure.

The Atlas Lions reached the World Cup semi-finals four years ago were sharper, more organised and confident as they repeatedly exposed gaps in Brazil's midfield.

The Selecao equalised 11 minutes later through as Vinicius collected the ball on the left flank, cut inside and unleashed a booming shot, underlying the importance of the winger in the absence of the injured Neymar, who watched from the dugout.

Brazil enjoyed more possession and territorial dominance in the secnd half after making two substitutions, but Morocco were dangerous on the counter-attack.
Bruno Guimaraes began several promising moves from midfield while Raphinha came close with a left footer but towards the other end, Morocco nearly snatched all three points with Brazil keeper Alisson Becker producing a double save towards the end of added time.

"We showed personality against one of the best teams in the world and proved we belong at this level," Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi said.

"We improved after conceding but we know we have to be better. The World Cup is a long competition and every point matters," Brazil skipper Marquinhos responded when asked about his team's slow start.

Brazil take on Haiti next on June 19, while Morocco face Scotland in the battle for qualification to the knockout stage.

Qatar score late for first ever point

A late own goal gave Qatar their first World Cup point ever in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland.

A first-half Breel Embolo penalty put the Swiss ahead but Qatar pulled level on 94 minutes as their captain Boualem Khoukhi's header deflected off Miro Muheim and went into the mnet.

It meant that all the four teams of Group B have a point each after the first round following co-hosts Canada's 1-1 draw ​with Bosnia & Herzegovina.