Brazil could not cope with Morocco, Scotland won the World Cup after 36 years

The opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, delivered a dramatic and controversial start for Brazil. The Seleção, widely regarded as one of the most decorated national teams in football history, faced off against Morocco, a team that had stunned the football world just three years earlier by defeating France in the Africa Cup of Nations final. The result—a 1–1 draw—left many Brazilian fans, journalists, and even the team's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, visibly shaken. The match, which ended in a tense and emotionally charged atmosphere, set the tone for what promises to be a challenging campaign for Brazil.

From the outset, Brazil struggled to assert control. Morocco, known for its physicality and tactical discipline, quickly imposed themselves on the game. In the 21st minute, they broke the deadlock with a clinical finish from Ismael Saibari, who capitalized on a defensive error by Brazil. The goal came after a perfectly executed pass from Brahim Diaz, who found Saibari in space just outside the penalty area. The strike, which flew over Alisson Becker’s head and nestled into the net, sent shockwaves through the home crowd. It marked a historic moment for Morocco, as they became the first African team to score against a South American nation at a World Cup.

Despite the early setback, Brazil showed resilience in the second half. Their hopes rested heavily on Vinícius Júnior, whose electrifying pace and technical ability proved crucial. In the 50th minute, he orchestrated a move that led to Brazil’s equalizer. Receiving a pass on the left flank, Vinícius evaded two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that beat Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The goal sparked a wave of relief among the Brazilian supporters, who had been anxiously watching the match unfold.

However, the match was far from flawless for Brazil. Analysts and former players alike criticized Ancelotti’s tactics and decisions. Some pointed to the lack of cohesion in Brazil’s midfield, particularly the struggles of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães, who found themselves overwhelmed by Morocco’s aggressive pressing. Others questioned Ancelotti’s choice of starters, notably the omission of young talent Endrick, who had been touted as a future star. In a post-match interview, Ancelotti acknowledged the team’s shortcomings but remained optimistic. “We didn’t play well in the first half,” he admitted, “but we improved in the second. This is just the first match, and there’s a long way to go.”

The performance also drew sharp criticism from Brazilian media outlets, including *Jutarnji list* and *O Globo*, which described the match as a “total disaster.” One commentator, Hugo Massini, lamented that Brazil was “completely dominated” in the first 25 minutes, while another, Alicia Klein, compared the team’s performance to a “second-tier league squad.” These sentiments echoed the frustration felt by fans, many of whom had hoped for a stronger showing given Brazil’s rich history and recent successes.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s victory over Brazil was seen as a significant achievement, especially considering their relatively modest reputation on the global stage. The team’s coach, Vahid Halilhodžić, praised his players for their composure and execution, noting that they had managed to overcome a strong opponent. “This is a step forward for our national team,” he said, highlighting the confidence gained from the draw.

As the tournament progresses, Brazil faces the daunting challenge of overcoming their early setbacks. Their next match will be against Haiti, a team that has yet to secure a single point in the group. While the outcome of that encounter will be critical, the immediate focus remains on addressing the tactical and psychological issues exposed in the opening game. With high expectations and immense pressure, Brazil must prove that their World Cup campaign can live up to the legacy of past triumphs. Whether they can do so will depend on how swiftly they adapt and whether Ancelotti can find the right balance between experience and innovation.