sports
Vinícius Júnior rescues lacklustre Brazil as Morocco earn deserved World Cup draw
So it turns out that Carlo Ancelotti is no miracle worker. After watching his side fall behind to Ismael Saibari’s brilliant opening goal, the Brazil manager needed a big favour from Vinícius Júnior to ensure the five-time World Cup winners’ first match of the 2026 edition didn’t end in an embarrassing defeat.
TL;DR
- Brazil drew their opening 2026 World Cup match against Morocco.
- Ismael Saibari scored Morocco's opening goal, with Vinícius Júnior equalizing for Brazil.
- Brazil's manager Carlo Ancelotti recognized the team's anxious start and need for improvement.
- Morocco's midfield, featuring teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, controlled large portions of the first half.
- Tactical changes in the second half improved Brazil's structure, but Morocco remained resilient.
- Both Casemiro and Ibañez were substituted at halftime after receiving yellow cards.