Saibari's chip goal earns Morocco a point in World Cup group opener against Brazil
Ismael Saibari's deft 21st-minute chip gave Morocco a deserved lead, but Vinicius Junior levelled before half-time as the two heavyweights shared the spoils in East Rutherford.
Morocco and Brazil opened their 2026 World Cup campaigns with a lively 1-1 draw at New York New Jersey Stadium, the venue that will host the final on 19 July. Both sides had chances to win the Group C encounter but ultimately settled for a point after an entertaining encounter.
How the game unfolded
Morocco, semi-finalists in 2022, started with intensity and forced early saves. Neil El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi both went close before PSV forward Ismael Saibari broke the deadlock. A stunning through-ball from Brahim Diaz sent Saibari clear, and the forward coolly chipped over Alisson Becker in the 21st minute. The goal capped a dominant spell for the African champions.
- 21st minute: Ismael Saibari chips Morocco ahead.
- 32nd minute: Vinicius Junior equalises with a fierce shot.
- Second half: No further goals; Alisson and Bounou produce key saves.
Brazil, missing the not-yet-fully-fit Neymar, grew into the match and equalised after 32 minutes. Vinicius Junior cut inside from the left and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the far corner. The five-time world champions almost took the lead just before half-time when a Lucas Paqueta bicycle kick was brilliantly saved by Yassine Bounou.
Second-half stalemate
After the break, Brazil pushed forward more but lacked the cutting edge to break through again. Raphinha came closest, missing a tap-in at full stretch and then firing weakly at Bounou after a defensive mix-up. Morocco, who had Noussair Mazraoui in the starting lineup, faded after the drinks break but remained dangerous on the counter. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Ayoube Amaimouni saw a close-range rebound blocked by Alisson, and a venomous late effort by El Aynaoui was also smothered.
Group C picture
The draw leaves both teams level on one point. Group C's other two nations, Scotland and Haiti, were due to play later on Saturday in Boston. The top two from the group will advance to face a side from Group F, which includes the Netherlands, in the last 16. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman confirmed before his team's match against Japan that goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had recovered from a hip injury and that Memphis Depay was fully fit and available to start.
What they said
There were no post-match quotes immediately available from the two camps. The match report from Moroccan media highlighted the "breathtaking" pass from Diaz and the "coolness" of Saibari's finish, while Brazilian outlets noted the resilience shown after a slow start.
