Heavyweights Brazil and Morocco started their world title campaign on Saturday with a 1-1 draw at a sold-out New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the stadium where the World Cup final will be played on July 19.
Morocco, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, started strongly and created scoring chances early. In the 21st minute, PSV player Ismael Saibari deservedly gave the Moroccans the lead. Former Ajax player Noussair Mazraoui was also in the starting line-up for the African champion. The Brazilian side was missing star player Neymar, who was not yet fit.
Brazil, which was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Croatia four years ago, struggled with Morocco’s intensity. Yet the South Americans equalized in the 32nd minute thanks to a brilliant inspiration from Vinicius Júnior. The Real Madrid player cut down his opponent and shot hard from a difficult angle. There was no more scoring after that.
The Netherlands may meet one of the two countries in the next round. If the Netherlands finishes first or second in Group F, it will meet the runners-up or winner of Group C at the end of June. The other two countries in Group C, Haiti and Scotland, will play in the other group match in Boston later on Saturday.
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2026 FIFA World Cup
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