An early surprise emerged at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. Although they avoided defeat, five-time world champions Brazil were forced to work hard to escape with a draw against Morocco in their opening Group C match at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday morning, June 14, 2026.
Brazilian football fans were stunned when Ismael Saibari put Morocco ahead in the 21st minute. The Samba Team managed to equalize 11 minutes later through a powerful strike from Vinicius Junior inside the penalty area.
For the remainder of the match, however, Brazil lacked the ability to find the winning goal.
For Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the draw was particularly meaningful. Not only did his team earn a point against one of the tournament favorites, but they also achieved the result against a Brazil side coached by Carlo Ancelotti, a manager whom Ouahbi has long regarded as a source of inspiration and reference.
“We played exactly as we had planned, but I was facing Carlo Ancelotti, so it was not simple,” Ouahbi said.
The 49-year-old coach has never hidden his admiration for Ancelotti, widely known by the nickname “Don Carlo.” Long before the match took place, Ouahbi revealed that he had read various books and stories about Ancelotti’s career in order to better understand the mindset of one of the greatest managers in football history.
“I have read several books about Carlo Ancelotti. I know some of his secrets,” he said with a laugh during a pre-match press conference.
One of Ancelotti’s philosophies that has remained with Ouahbi is the quote: “A lion runs to find food, while a deer runs to avoid becoming prey. Both run to achieve their goals.”
In this match, Morocco, whose nickname is the Atlas Lions, assumed the role of the deer trying to avoid becoming Brazil’s prey. As a result, Morocco successfully achieved its objective of securing a draw against Brazil in its opening match.
A Match Full of Pressure
Meanwhile, Ancelotti urged the public not to overreact to the draw. According to the Italian coach, opening matches at the World Cup are always accompanied by immense pressure.
“I think it was a difficult match, especially at the beginning. The team was a little anxious and nervous. We did not play well, but we must not lose our spirit,” he said.
Match statistics reflected just how evenly contested the encounter was. Brazil held a slight advantage in possession, controlling 51 percent of the ball compared to Morocco’s 49 percent.
The Canarinha recorded 13 shots, with five on target, while Morocco registered 14 attempts, three of which were on target.
For Brazil, the draw serves as a warning that the road toward a sixth World Cup title will not be easy. Vinicius Junior and his teammates will still have opportunities to improve in their upcoming matches against Scotland.
Scotland Move to the Top of the Standings
Meanwhile, Scotland secured a 1-0 victory over Haiti.
Playing at Boston Stadium, Scotland collected all three points thanks to a goal from John McGinn in the 28th minute.
The result moved Scotland to the top of the Group C standings with three points, two points ahead of both Morocco and Brazil.
For Scotland head coach Steve Clarke, the victory marked a positive start in his team’s quest to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Tartan Army will next face Morocco in their second group-stage match on June 19.***
