Morocco hold Brazil after Saibari strike shakes World Cup opener

Morocco opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Brazil in East Rutherford, New Jersey, giving the Atlas Lions a strong start against one of the tournament’s most watched teams.

Ismael Saibari put Morocco ahead in the 21st minute after a quick counter-attack, finishing from Brahim Diaz’s pass to give the North Africans a deserved lead.

Brazil equalised 11 minutes later through Vinicius Jr, who cut inside from the left and curled a right-footed shot into the top corner. The goal spared Brazil an opening defeat, but the match left Carlo Ancelotti with early questions about balance and control.

The Brazil coach said after the game that his team had been too open and nervous in the first half. Morocco, by contrast, looked clear in their work: quick in transition, compact without the ball and willing to attack space when Brazil lost possession.

The result mattered beyond the point. Morocco reached the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022 and arrived at this tournament with a different status from previous World Cups. Against Brazil, they played like a side that expects to compete at this level.

Saibari’s performance also gave Morocco an early tournament figure. His goal was well taken, but his wider value came from his movement between midfield and attack, where he helped Morocco break Brazil’s rhythm in the first half.

Brazil improved after the interval and Morocco had to defend for longer spells. That will still concern Mohamed Ouahbi, especially because Morocco could not turn their strongest first-half period into a second goal.

But a draw against Brazil remains a useful opening result in a group that also includes Scotland and Haiti. Morocco left East Rutherford with one point, but also with proof that their 2022 run has not disappeared into memory.

Their next match against Scotland will decide whether the draw becomes a platform or only a good performance.