Morocco snatches a well-deserved draw from Brazil in the World Cup

Ismael Sabiri scored a stunning goal in the first half to lead Morocco, who reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar four years ago, to a 1-1 draw with Brazil on Saturday in their opening Group C match for the 2026 finals.

Sabiri opened the scoring in the 21st minute after receiving the ball from a wonderful pass from Brahim Diaz at the edge of the penalty area. Alisson spotted the Brazilian goalkeeper ahead of his goal, before preparing the ball for himself perfectly and sending a falling ball over the goalkeeper to land in the net.

Brazilian Vinicius Junior crowned a wonderful individual effort with a perfect shot from inside the penalty area. Goalkeeper Yassine Bono did not do anything for it and it went into the net towards the upper right corner of the goal, equalizing for Brazil, the five-time world champion, in the 32nd minute.

Bono shined throughout the match in the Al Zod ⁠ from his goal in light of serious attacks from the Brazilian players and he requested the intervention of the medical staff in the 84th minute ⁠ after he appeared to be in pain before completing the match.

Morocco almost snatched the victory in the ninth minute of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Alisson rushed to brilliantly save a strong, direct shot from a long distance towards the lower right corner from Moroccan Nael El Aynaoui, before Alisson continued his brilliance and made another wonderful save from the ball after it bounced to Ayoub Al-Mimoni.