Brazil and Morocco open Group C with 1-1 draw as Ancelotti's World Cup debut falls flat in New Jersey

Early Moroccan pressure

Morocco took control from the opening whistle, pressing Brazil high and forcing errors from a nervy back line. The pressure paid off in the 21st minute when Brahim Díaz threaded a precise pass through the Brazilian defence to Ismael Saibari. The PSV Eindhoven midfielder rounded Alisson at the edge of the area and slotted home, silencing the overwhelmingly pro-Brazil crowd of 80,663.

The goal exposed the brittleness of Brazil's defensive pairing of Douglas Santos and captain Marquinhos, who struggled to contain Morocco's fluid attack. Neil El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi both tested Alisson before the equaliser arrived.

Vinícius answers

Brazil's response came eleven minutes after the opener. Vinícius Júnior, largely anonymous until that moment, cut in from the left, dribbled past El Aynaoui and unleashed a right-footed shot across Yassine Bounou into the far corner. The goal, crafted almost entirely through individual talent, masked the collective unease of Carlo Ancelotti's side.

I'd like a goal from Rafa, for Barça, and another from Vini, for Madrid. Strange as it sounds, I like both teams — I have family ties to Madrid and Romário, my idol, played for Barcelona.

The second half showed a more composed Brazil, but the five-time champions could not find a winner against Morocco's golden generation. Neymar, injured since mid-May, watched from the bench alongside the coaching staff.

Ancelotti's muted debut

The match marked Ancelotti's first World Cup fixture as a head coach, and the result did little to quiet doubts surrounding a Brazil side that sits sixth in the FIFA rankings — one spot above their opponents. Morocco, African champions and semifinalists at Qatar 2022, looked the more cohesive team for long stretches.

This is Morocco's World Cup. Today we win 2-1.

The prediction proved optimistic, but Morocco's performance reinforced the sense that their deep run in Qatar was no fluke under coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

A stadium split in colour

More than 80,600 spectators filled MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, just outside New York. Yellow shirts dominated the stands, but the south end was a solid block of Moroccan red. Fans travelled from São Paulo, paying $2,000 per ticket, and from Fez, spending over $1,000 on the black market. Moroccan supporters filled the trains from Penn Station with chants of "Dima Magreb" — "Always Morocco."

We paid a lot, but this isn't about money, or even football — it's about a family experience and an unforgettable memory.

Group C opens wide

Brazil and Morocco entered as the group favourites, positioned seventh and sixth in the FIFA rankings respectively. With Haiti and Scotland still to play, the draw leaves the group finely balanced. Each side will now look to their remaining fixtures to decide who takes top spot.