Brazil Held to Draw by Morocco in 2026 World Cup Opener
Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign began with a tense 1‑1 draw against Morocco at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The five‑time champions fell behind in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari exploited a lapse between goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defenders Gabriel and Marquinhos, lofting the ball over the stranded shot‑stopper.
Morocco dominated the first half, registering 12 shots by the 30‑minute mark – the most Brazil has faced in a World Cup opener since 2018. Despite the pressure, the African side could not add a second goal.
Brazil found salvation just before halftime. Vinicius Jr, making his 50th appearance for the Selecao, received a pass from Bruno Guimaraes inside the box, cut onto his right foot and fired past Yassine Bounou to level the scores. Lucas Paqueta came close to putting Brazil ahead shortly after, but his acrobatic effort was brilliantly cleared.
The second half saw fewer clear chances. Raphinha came nearest when he missed a low cross from Guimaraes. The draw preserves Brazil’s remarkable unbeaten streak in World Cup openers, which now stretches back 92 years, while Morocco continues its search for a first opening‑game victory.
Australia Stuns Turkey with 2‑0 Victory
In Vancouver, the Socceroos claimed an impressive 2‑0 win over Turkey in their Group D opener. Watford forward Nestory Irankunda etched his name into Australian football history by becoming the nation’s youngest ever World Cup goalscorer at 20 years and 125 days, surpassing Brett Holman’s record set in 2010.
Irankunda opened the scoring after controlling a pass from Paul Okon‑Engstler, creating space and drilling a low effort past the Turkish keeper. Australia’s youthful lineup – featuring ten World Cup debutants – showed composure against a Turkey side making its first appearance since 2002.
Turkey dominated possession and created several chances, but goalkeeper Patrick Beach, making his first competitive international appearance ahead of veteran Mat Ryan, produced key saves to deny Abdulkerim Bardakci, Arda Guler and Zeki Celik.
The Socceroos sealed the win when Connor Metcalfe pounced on a defensive error and calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner. The result gives coach Tony Popovic’s side a dream start and places them in a strong position early in Group D.
Scotland Claims Historic 1‑0 Win Over Haiti
Scotland ended a 36‑year wait for a World Cup victory, defeating Haiti 1‑0 in their Group C opener. The decisive moment came from John McGinn, who scored the only goal after being handed a starting role over Ryan Christie – a selection described by manager Steve Clarke as “probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make.”
The match began brightly for Scotland, but a resolute Haitian side repeatedly threatened with crosses into the box, forcing goalkeeper Angus Gunn into several alert interventions. McGinn missed a chance to settle the nerves 20 minutes from time, dragging his effort wide, and Haiti almost snatched an equaliser when Frantzdy Pierrot’s header went off target.
Nevertheless, Scotland held firm to secure the landmark win, moving to the top of Group C and edging closer to a first‑ever appearance in the knockout stages. The team will travel to Boston on 19 June to face Morocco, aware that another positive result could all but assure a place in the last 16.
About the Author
