Watch highlights of Morocco's 1-1 draw against Brazil

Morocco opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a disciplined and spirited display as they held record champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night.

Morocco took control of the contest in the early part of the highly anticipated showdown, but it was Brazil who created the first most glaring chance.

Igor Thiago came close in the 14th minute when he reacted well to a lofted pass on the edge of the six-yard box but failed to keep his header down, sending it well wide of the right post.

The breakthrough, however, belonged to Morocco. In the 21st minute, Ismael Saibari produced a moment of pure composure and vision.

Picking up the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box, he noticed Alisson off his line, set himself, and executed a delicate lob that sailed over the Brazilian goalkeeper and into the net.

Brahim Di­az provided the assist for the opener as Morocco took a surprise lead.

Brazil’s response came swiftly and with authority. In the 32nd minute, Vinicius Junior produced a dazzling solo run before unleashing a powerful finish from inside the box.

Bono had no chance as the ball flew into the top right corner, bringing Brazil level at 1-1 and restoring balance to the contest.

The closing stages of the first half delivered another huge moment. In stoppage time, Lucas Paqueta found himself unmarked and only a few yards out, but his first-time effort was brilliantly kept out by Bono, who reacted sharply to preserve parity heading into the break.