Brazil’s glittering World Cup 2026 curtain-raiser ended in frustration as a first-half strike from Vinícius Júnior was cancelled out by a late equaliser from Azzedine Ounahi, leaving the Seleção with a share of the points against Morocco at MetLife Stadium. The 1-1 draw preserved Brazil’s perfect record in group stages under Dorival Júnior but underlined the defensive frailties that have dogged the side in recent warm-ups. Kickoff XI readers, in an 18-vote poll across nine countries, had backed Brazil 100% to 0% for Morocco, a call that looked secure until the final stages of the match.
A cagey start
The opening exchanges were marked by caution from both sides, with Brazil probing but Morocco’s mid-block absorbing pressure effectively. The Seleção dominated possession in the early exchanges, but their passing in central areas was met with disciplined pressing from Morocco’s double pivot of Aziz Akhannouch and Sofiane Amrabat, who funnelled play wide and forced Brazil’s full-backs into less threatening areas. Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi, deployed as a lone striker, held up play well, while Brazil’s Endrick struggled to find space between the lines until the 28th minute, when Vinícius Júnior broke the deadlock with a low drive from outside the box after a quick transition.
The goal owed much to Brazil’s willingness to switch play quickly through Bruno Guimarães, who sprayed diagonal passes to the right flank to release Vinícius Júnior. Morocco’s defensive line, at times, looked disjointed in the lead-up to the goal, with Achraf Hakimi caught too high and Noussair Mazraoui slow to recover. The strike itself was clinical, but it arrived against the run of play, exposing Morocco’s reluctance to commit men forward in the opening 30 minutes.
The turning point
Brazil nearly doubled their lead before half-time, with Endrick forcing a fine save from Yahia Fofana after a one-two with Raphinha in the box. The moment passed, and Morocco grew into the game as the half wore on, probing with quick switches of play through Amine Adli and Ounahi. The Atlas Lions’ equaliser arrived in the 87th minute, a header from close range after a corner from the left, with Ounahi rising unmarked to power home. The goal was a product of Brazil’s set-piece vulnerability, a recurring theme in warm-ups, and Morocco’s ability to exploit aerial duels in the box.
The timing of the equaliser was decisive. Brazil, who had dominated the first half in terms of xG, saw their momentum evaporate as Morocco’s late surge brought real danger. Casemiro, introduced at half-time, struggled to impose his usual midfield authority, and Brazil’s lack of a natural No. 9 in the second half—Richarlison was absent through injury—left them unable to sustain pressure. Morocco’s Walid Cheddira, introduced for El Kaabi, added physicality and a focal point, and his flick-on led directly to the corner that produced the equaliser.
Tactical read
Dorival Júnior set Brazil up in a 4-2-3-1, with Bruno Guimarães and João Gomes shielding the back four. The double pivot was designed to allow Brazil’s wingers—Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha—to drift inside and link with Endrick, who played off the last defender. The system worked well in the first half, but Morocco adjusted by dropping deeper, forcing Brazil to play through congested central areas. Marquinhos and Éder Militão were often isolated, and Brazil’s full-backs, Danilo and Renan Lodi, were reluctant to push high, mindful of Morocco’s counter-attacking threat.
Morocco, meanwhile, operated in a 4-4-2 mid-block, with Amrabat and Akhannouch screening the defence and Adli and Ounahi tucking in to deny space between the lines. Hakimi and Mazraoui provided width on the break, and El Kaabi’s movement pinned Brazil’s centre-backs, but the Atlas Lions lacked a clear plan to break down Brazil’s low block. Their equaliser came from a set piece, a reminder of how direct football can unpick even the most possession-heavy teams.
Key performers
Vinícius Júnior was Brazil’s standout performer, his movement and finishing earning the opening goal. His willingness to drift inside and combine with Endrick and Raphinha created Brazil’s best chances, though his defensive work rate remains an area for improvement. Bruno Guimarães was the engine of the midfield, breaking up play and launching attacks, while Danilo provided the most consistent outlet from right-back.
For Morocco, Ounahi was the most influential player, his late equaliser salvaging a point and underscoring his growing reputation as a big-game midfielder. Amrabat was a constant presence in midfield, breaking up play and shielding the defence, while Fofana made crucial saves to keep his side in the game. Cheddira, coming off the bench, added energy and physicality, and his presence altered Morocco’s attacking shape in the final 20 minutes.
## By the numbers
- Brazil’s xG: 1.8 – The Seleção created several high-quality chances in the first half, with Vinícius Júnior’s strike the pick of the bunch, but Morocco’s deep block limited their second-half output. ESPN
- Morocco’s shots on target: 1 – Despite their late surge, Morocco managed just one shot on target, but it was enough to earn a point. Their xG of 0.7 reflects their limited attacking threat. BBC Sport
- Brazil’s possession: 62% – The Seleção dominated the ball, but their inability to break down Morocco’s low block meant possession did not always translate to clear chances. The Athletic
What’s next
Brazil travel to Houston to face Switzerland in their second Group B fixture on 19 June, a match that will test their ability to convert dominance into goals. Dorival Júnior will need to address his side’s set-piece vulnerabilities and the lack of a natural striker if they are to avoid a repeat of tonight’s frustration. Morocco, meanwhile, will take confidence from their resilience and direct approach, but they must improve their attacking output if they are to trouble stronger opposition.
The draw leaves both sides with a point apiece in Group B, with Serbia and Switzerland still to come. Brazil’s path to the knockout stages remains clear, but their inability to kill off games will raise questions about their readiness for the rigours of a 48-team World Cup. Morocco, meanwhile, will see this as a credible performance against the pre-tournament favourites, but they will need to be more clinical if they are to progress.
Kickoff XI is an independent publication and is not affiliated with FIFA.
