Brazil avoided a historic defeat in their opening match of the World Cup after drawing 1-1 with Morocco at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The five-time champions found themselves under pressure from the outset as the African title holders produced an energetic and confident display.

Morocco took the lead in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari capitalised on confusion between Alisson Becker and his defenders, Gabriel and Marquinhos. Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, Saibari lifted the ball into the net from outside the penalty area. The goal carried added significance, as it marked the first time Morocco had scored against South American opposition at a World Cup.

The North Africans continued to dictate the tempo and repeatedly tested the Brazilian defence. By the half-hour mark they had already attempted 12 shots, the highest number Brazil had allowed in a World Cup fixture since facing Mexico in 2018. Despite their control, Morocco was unable to extend their advantage.

Vinicius delivers when Brazil need him most

As Morocco failed to convert their dominance into a larger lead, Brazil found a route back into the contest through a moment of individual quality from Vinicius Junior. On his 50th appearance for the national team, the Real Madrid forward received a pass from Bruno Guimaraes inside the box, shifted onto his right foot and fired an unstoppable shot beyond Yassine Bounou.

The equaliser transformed the mood around Brazil after a sluggish opening period. Shortly before the interval, Lucas Paqueta nearly completed the turnaround, but his acrobatic attempt was pushed away for a corner.

With several members of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad, including Ronaldo, Kaka, and Roberto Carlos, watching from the stands, Carlo Ancelotti’s team improved after the restart. Nevertheless, clear opportunities remained scarce, and neither side could find a decisive second goal.

Brazil’s closest chance arrived when Raphinha narrowly missed connecting with a low cross from Guimaraes. The deadlock remained intact until the final whistle, ensuring Brazil preserved a remarkable unbeaten record in opening World Cup matches stretching back 92 years.

Questions remain despite Brazil avoiding defeat

Although Vinicius provided the spark that saved Brazil from defeat, the overall display raised concerns. The South Americans struggled to establish control, frequently surrendered possession, and appeared vulnerable whenever Morocco attacked.

Observers noted that Brazil looked technically below their usual standards. Former Uruguay international Gus Poyet expressed surprise at the number of misplaced passes, while South American football expert Tim Vickery highlighted how heavily the team relied on individual brilliance rather than collective fluency.

Brazil’s midfield also faced scrutiny. Veteran Casemiro found conditions difficult before being withdrawn at half-time, while defender Roger Ibanez was another player replaced during the interval as Ancelotti sought solutions to his side’s problems. Despite possessing an attack filled with talented wide players, Brazil often lacked balance and cohesion.

Still, there is perspective to be found. Argentina recovered from an opening defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2022 before lifting the trophy, and Brazil remains strongly positioned to advance from a group that also includes Haiti and Scotland.

Ancelotti demands improvement as Vinicius embraces responsibility

The match represented a personal milestone for Ancelotti, who was overseeing his first World Cup fixture as a head coach. The Italian, the first foreign manager to guide Brazil at the tournament, admitted afterwards that the performance fell short of expectations.

While he did not regard the result as disastrous, he acknowledged that his side must become more aggressive and better organised. Ancelotti accepted criticism and stressed that significant improvement would be required in the coming matches.

For Brazil, the brightest aspect of the evening was once again Vinicius. The forward had stated before the tournament that his objective was not personal recognition but helping his country return to the summit of world football. His spectacular strike backed up those words and underlined his growing importance to the national team.

Questions have lingered over whether Vinicius could become the central figure for Brazil on the international stage. Against Morocco, he supplied the decisive contribution that prevented a damaging defeat. If Brazil are to challenge for a sixth world title and end a drought that dates back to 2002, performances like this may only increase his influence as the competition progresses.

Brazil will launch their latest attempt to capture a record-extending sixth World Cup crown when they face Morocco in their opening Group C match at New York New Jersey Stadium. No nation is more closely associated with the tournament than the South American giants, who remain the only team to have appeared in every edition since 1930 and still hold the record for the most titles with five.

Yet the Seleção arrive under growing pressure. Their most recent triumph came in 2002, and another unsuccessful campaign would extend their longest drought without a World Cup title. Their previous journey ended in the quarter-finals in Qatar, where Croatia eliminated them despite several promising performances.

Among those eager to make a greater impact this time is Raphinha. The Barcelona forward played a key role during qualification, producing five goals and two assists, more than any other Brazilian player. He also enjoyed an outstanding club season, registering 21 goals and seven assists in 33 appearances as Barcelona secured the La Liga championship.

Ancelotti takes charge as Brazil seek a strong start

Although Brazil recorded victories over Panama and Egypt in pre-tournament friendlies, their qualification campaign left room for improvement. Finishing fifth represented their lowest placing since the current South American qualifying format was introduced three decades ago.

Leading the team is Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most accomplished managers in world football. The Italian guided Brazil through the final stages of qualification and is now preparing for his first experience as a World Cup coach.

Ancelotti will be determined to preserve a remarkable sequence that has seen Brazil finish first in their opening-round group at every World Cup since 1982. With Scotland and Haiti also in Group C, collecting three points against Morocco would significantly strengthen their chances of extending that run.

Brazil will be without Neymar, who continues to recover from a calf problem. While the forward is progressing well, he is not expected to be available for the opening fixture. Right-back Wesley is also likely to miss the contest after suffering an injury against Egypt.

Last 5 Brazil matches stats

Morocco arrive with growing confidence

Morocco heads into the tournament carrying increasing expectations after several impressive years on the international stage. Their run to the semi-finals in Qatar elevated their status, while they also became the only African side to win all eight of their qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.

The Atlas Lions were additionally awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title following a controversial final involving Senegal. As a result, many observers have identified them as potential outsiders capable of making another deep run in the competition.

Several key figures are expected to lead their challenge. Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Ayoub El Kaabi are among the squad’s standout names, with Díaz and El Kaabi accounting for eight of Morocco’s nine goals during the 2025 AFCON campaign.

Midfielder Ismael Saibari is another player attracting attention. After contributing 19 goals and nine assists for PSV during the 2025-26 season, he has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich. Saibari also scored twice in Morocco’s 4-0 warm-up victory over Madagascar before his side later drew 1-1 with Norway in New York.

Last 5 Morocco matches stats

Team news and history

Morocco’s preparations have been affected by fitness concerns. Abdi Ezzalzouli was ruled out of the tournament after suffering an injury against Norway, while Nayef Aguerd also missed selection due to injury. Noussair Mazraoui remains doubtful after damaging his shoulder in the same match.

This encounter will mark only the second World Cup meeting between Brazil and Morocco. Their first came during the group stage in 1998, when Ronaldo and Rivaldo both scored their maiden World Cup goals. The nations last met in a friendly in Tunisia in March 2023, a match Morocco won 2-1 thanks to strikes from Sofiane Boufal and Abdelhamid Sabiri.

Historically, Brazil has enjoyed success against African opposition at the World Cup, winning seven of eight such matches. Their only defeat came against Cameroon in 2022, although that game featured a heavily rotated side after qualification for the knockout rounds had already been secured.

Past H2H Results

Prediction and expected outcome

Brazil enter this Group C opener as deserved favourites, largely due to their superior squad depth, attacking quality, and experience on the biggest stage. Carlo Ancelotti’s side may not have been at their best during qualification, but players such as Raphinha are arriving in strong form, and Brazil’s overall talent level remains among the highest in the tournament.

Morocco should not be underestimated, however. Their run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and perfect qualifying campaign for 2026 demonstrate that they are capable of competing with elite opposition. With Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and Ayoub El Kaabi leading the way, the Atlas Lions have enough quality to trouble Brazil, particularly on the counterattack.

The match is likely to be competitive and tactically disciplined rather than a high-scoring affair. Morocco’s organized defensive structure could frustrate Brazil for long periods, but the South Americans are expected to create the clearer chances over 90 minutes.

Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Morocco

Expected outcome: A closely contested encounter in which Morocco remain competitive throughout, but Brazil’s greater attacking firepower and individual quality ultimately prove decisive, giving the Seleção an important opening victory in Group C.

The United States began their World Cup campaign in impressive fashion by defeating Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles. Backed by a crowd of more than 70,000 spectators, Mauricio Pochettino’s team quickly took control and never allowed their opponents to settle into the contest.

The breakthrough arrived after only seven minutes when Christian Pulisic burst into the penalty area and helped create a situation that ended with Damian Bobadilla turning the ball into his own net. The hosts thought they had doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Folarin Balogun found the target, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

The Monaco forward did not have to wait long for his moment. Balogun soon finished confidently from a Pulisic pass before adding a second after racing onto a through ball from Malik Tillman and producing a composed finish into the top corner. By half-time, the Americans held a commanding three-goal lead after producing a dominant display.

Paraguay briefly threatened a comeback after Mauricio reduced the deficit following good work from Julio Enciso, but the home side remained in control. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Giovanni Reyna completed the scoring with a superb strike from outside the area, sealing a convincing victory and an ideal start to Group D.

Pochettino’s side deliver under the spotlight

The opening match in the United States was surrounded by significant attention, featuring a pre-match ceremony led by Katy Perry and attended by celebrities including David Beckham and Tom Cruise. Despite the occasion, the American players handled the pressure comfortably and produced one of the standout performances of the tournament’s opening days.

Pulisic played a central role in setting the tempo, constantly troubling Paraguay’s defence with his movement and creativity. However, concerns emerged when the Milan winger was replaced at half-time. After the match, Pochettino explained that the substitution was precautionary after the player experienced discomfort in his calf following an earlier knock.

Balogun’s performance further strengthened his growing reputation. Born in New York and developed in Arsenal’s academy system, the striker later enjoyed productive spells with Reims and Monaco before committing his international future to the United States. His two-goal display highlighted his importance to a squad aiming to make a significant impact on home soil.

Former players and pundits were quick to praise the Americans, noting the team’s aggressive pressing, attacking approach, and growing confidence under Pochettino. While the manager urged caution regarding expectations, the victory provided encouragement that the hosts could enjoy a deep run in the competition.

Canada fight back to claim first-ever World Cup point

In Toronto, fellow co-hosts Canada also made a memorable start to the tournament, earning a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The result carried historic significance as it represented the first point Canada had ever collected in World Cup finals competition.

The match began brightly for the home side, but Bosnia struck first in the 21st minute. Following a corner from Ivan Basic, Sead Kolasinac flicked the ball on, and Jovo Lukic headed home to give the visitors the advantage. Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser but entered the interval trailing by one goal.

The second half brought increasing pressure from Jesse Marsch’s side. Richie Laryea came agonisingly close to levelling the score, only for Kolasinac to divert his effort onto the crossbar. Canada continued to attack and saw another opportunity cleared from the goal line as Bosnia attempted to protect their lead.

Marsch’s substitutions eventually changed the momentum. Just over two minutes after entering the match, Cyle Larin spun away from his marker and fired a shot beyond Nikola Vasilj, aided by a slight deflection. The goal sparked huge celebrations inside the stadium and secured a deserved draw for the hosts.

Records, milestones and notable moments

Several memorable achievements emerged from these two opening fixtures. Balogun became only the second American player to score more than once in a World Cup match, joining Bert Patenaude, who achieved the feat against Paraguay during the inaugural tournament in 1930.

The USA’s 4-1 success also matched the nation’s largest World Cup victory, equalling the three-goal wins recorded against Paraguay and Belgium in 1930. It was additionally the first time since that tournament that the Americans had won a World Cup match by a margin of three goals.

Canada created history of their own. Having lost all six previous matches across their World Cup appearances in 1986 and 2022, they finally avoided defeat on football’s biggest stage. Larin’s contribution ensured the co-hosts collected their first-ever World Cup point and first draw in the competition.

Both host nations therefore left their opening matches with reasons for optimism. The United States delivered one of the tournament’s most eye-catching performances, while Canada demonstrated resilience by recovering from a deficit to secure a landmark result in front of their own supporters.

The 2026 World Cup got underway at the Estadio Azteca, where co-hosts Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in front of a packed crowd. The opening goal of the tournament arrived after only nine minutes when a challenge by Erik Lira led to the ball falling kindly for Julian Quinones, whose powerful effort slipped through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Mexico remained in control for long stretches of the contest and almost doubled their advantage before the break when Quiñones struck the post from close range. South Africa’s situation became even more difficult shortly after halftime when Yaya Sithole was dismissed for bringing down Brian Gutierrez as he advanced toward goal. Reduced to ten players, the African side struggled to contain the hosts.

The second goal arrived in the 67th minute. Veteran forward Raul Jimenez met Roberto Alvarado’s cross with a powerful header to score his first-ever goal at a World Cup finals. The strike carried special significance for the 35-year-old, who celebrated emotionally and appeared close to tears as supporters inside the famous stadium erupted.

Discipline became a major talking point during the closing stages. Themba Zwane was shown a red card after an altercation with Alvarado, leaving South Africa with nine men. Mexico also finished the match a player short after Cesar Montes was sent off for a late challenge. Despite the late drama, the hosts comfortably protected their advantage and began their campaign with three points.

Jimenez’s emotional milestone and Mora’s record appearance

For Jimenez, the goal represented a remarkable chapter in a career that nearly took a tragic turn. In November 2020, he suffered a serious skull fracture following a collision with David Luiz while playing for Wolves. The injury required a lengthy recovery period and raised concerns about whether he would ever return to his previous level.

Years later, the striker reached a moment he had never previously experienced at the World Cup. Although he had appeared in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions of the tournament, all six of his previous appearances had come from the bench. Against South Africa, he started a World Cup match for the first time and marked the occasion with a decisive goal.

The goal was the 46th of his international career and moved him level with Mexico’s second-highest scorer in national-team history, behind only Javier Hernandez. Former colleagues and coaches praised both his determination and character, highlighting the resilience that allowed him to rebuild his career after the life-threatening injury.

Mexico’s supporters also witnessed the introduction of Gilberto Mora, who entered the match during the second half. At 17 years old, he became the youngest Mexican player ever to appear at a World Cup and added another achievement to a growing list of age-related records already established during his young career.

South Korea rally past the Czech Republic

In Guadalajara, South Korea recovered from a setback to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 and begin their tournament with an important victory. Despite controlling possession and creating numerous opportunities, the Koreans found themselves behind when Czech captain Ladislav Krejci headed home a long throw from Vladimir Coufal in the 59th minute.

Son Heung-min was at the centre of much of South Korea’s attacking play. The captain produced several attempts before and after the interval, including a notable chance denied by goalkeeper Matej Kovar. However, it was midfielder Hwang In-beom who inspired the comeback. Eight minutes after the opening goal, he received a pass from Lee Kang-in, deceived the advancing goalkeeper, and delicately lifted the ball into an empty net.

The Czech side thought they had regained the lead when Tomas Soucek headed in from a set piece, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. That decision proved crucial because South Korea soon completed the turnaround. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu converted a delivery from Hwang in the 80th minute to put his team ahead.

South Korea still needed defensive heroics to secure victory. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu produced key saves against Adam Hlozek and Michal Sadilek during the closing minutes, ensuring his side recorded its first winning start to a World Cup campaign in four tournaments.

Notable moments and records from the opening fixtures

The opening match of the tournament produced an unusually high number of dismissals. Three red cards were shown by referee Wilton Sampaio, despite only four having been issued during the entire 2022 World Cup. According to the article, an opening match had never previously featured three sendings-off.

The Estadio Azteca once again played a historic role by staging the first match of a World Cup, just as it had done in 1970 and 1986. The event began with a colourful ceremony featuring Colombian singer Shakira before Mexico’s victory entertained the home crowd.

Gilberto Mora’s appearance placed him sixth on the list of the youngest players ever to feature at a World Cup. The ranking continues to be led by Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside, who made his tournament debut in 1982 at the age of 17 years, one month and 10 days.

South Korea’s match also attracted attention away from the field. FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended the game in Guadalajara, while discussions surrounding ticket prices and attendance remained a subject of debate during the opening days of the competition.