World Cup 2026: Vinicius screamer cancels Saibari’s stunner as Morocco draw 1-1 with Brazil

Morocco opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a disciplined and spirited display as they held record champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night.

Morocco took control of the contest in the early part of the highly anticipated showdown, but it was Brazil who created the first most glaring chance.

Igor Thiago came close in the 14th minute when he reacted well to a lofted pass on the edge of the six-yard box but failed to keep his header down, sending it well wide of the right post.

Saibari Lights Up the Opener

The breakthrough, however, belonged to Morocco. In the 21st minute, Ismael Saibari produced a moment of pure composure and vision. Picking up the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box, he noticed Alisson off his line, set himself, and executed a delicate lob that sailed over the Brazilian goalkeeper and into the net.

ISMAEL. SAIBARI. 🔥🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/NrIWpR1eai

— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) June 13, 2026

Brahim Díaz provided the assist for the opener as Morocco took a surprise lead.

Vinícius Junior Responds with Class

Brazil’s response came swiftly and with authority. In the 32nd minute, Vinícius Junior produced a dazzling solo run before unleashing a powerful finish from inside the box.

Bono had no chance as the ball flew into the top right corner, bringing Brazil level at 1-1 and restoring balance to the contest.

ISMAEL. SAIBARI. 🔥🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/NrIWpR1eai

— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) June 13, 2026

Bono Stands Tall Under Pressure

The closing stages of the first half delivered another huge moment. In stoppage time, Lucas Paquetá found himself unmarked and only a few yards out, but his first-time effort was brilliantly kept out by Bono, who reacted sharply to preserve parity heading into the break.

Brazil continued to push after halftime, and in the 58th minute, Igor Thiago came close again. A perfectly weighted defence-splitting pass found him in space, but Bono produced another outstanding save, diving to deny what looked destined to be a goal heading under the crossbar.

Tactical Changes in the second half

Despite several changes by managers of the two national teams, neither side could find the decisive second goal, although players fought to the final seconds of the game.

Group C Finely Poised

With no winner emerging, both Brazil and Morocco leave the match with a point apiece. The result sets up a decisive path ahead in Group C. Up next for Morocco, the Atlas Lions will face Scotland on June 19. Brazil, on the other hand, will come up against Haiti in what should be a walk in the park.