What Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius Junior said about Brazil’s pathetic World Cup start

Brazil and Morocco, ranked sixth and seventh respectively, played out a 1-1 draw in their Group C opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, in front of 80,663 spectators. The match featured five-time champions Brazil and the African champions Morocco, with Brazil extending their unbeaten World Cup opener run to 21 matches (17 wins) since their 1934 loss to Spain.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said nerves affected his team in the first half, adding that the second half was better but the team would analyze the poor start ahead of their next fixture against Haiti.

“I think it was a tough match, especially in the first half,” he said.

“Maybe the team was a bit anxious, and the nerves were all over the place. The second half was better, but it was still tough, and I’m sure we’ll get better.”

Morocco struck first in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari finished a move created by Brahim Diaz, who split the Brazil defence with a precise through ball. Saibari ran onto it and lifted a chip over Alisson Becker. Morocco started promisingly, with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi breaking up play and driving forward from deep midfield, as Brazil struggled to settle in the opening phase.

Brazil responded in the 32nd minute through Vinicius Junior. He combined with Bruno Guimaraes on the left flank, created space with close control, cut inside past defenders, and fired a right-footed strike into the top corner beyond Yassine Bounou. The goal came 11 minutes after Morocco’s opener and was Vinicius’ 10th international goal.

“We started on a really bad note,” the Real Madrid winger said through a translator. “For certain, we got to hold on to the ball. We have to move better.”

Before halftime, Lucas Paqueta attempted an acrobatic effort that was saved by Bounou, who also denied Raphinha from a cut-back. Alisson Becker later kept Brazil level by blocking a Neil El Aynaoui effort and then smothering Ayoube Amaimouni’s follow-up in added time. The second half saw fewer clear chances as both sides made multiple substitutions and the tempo slowed.

Neymar missed the match while recovering from a torn right calf.

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