Morocco, the reigning African champions, started on the front foot and dominated possession through the early exchanges. Their pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when Ismael Saibari finished brilliantly to put Morocco ahead.
Brazil weathered that early storm and grew into the contest. In the 32nd minute, Vinicius Junior curled home a sensational equaliser to bring the five time world champions level.
In the second half, Brazil began to show the qualities that have marked them out as title contenders, but they could not find a breakthrough. Morocco stood firm to earn a valuable point, and their camp may treat the result as a victory given the performance they put together.
Carlo Ancelotti did not look pleased at the full time whistle as he exchanged a customary handshake with his Moroccan counterpart. Brazil still looked a long way from a finished article, with plenty of work ahead in the group.
Late drama tilted toward Morocco at times. Alisson produced a flurry of saves, putting one shot down and diving to keep another away. Morocco earned a dangerous free kick that landed straight into the keeper's hands, and they also had a corner with six minutes remaining after going without a second half attempt until that stage. Brazil pushed through a couple of corners of their own, with Danilo attempting a shot from the far left on the second before the keeper claimed it.
The draw marks only the second time Brazil have opened a World Cup with a stalemate, following their 1-1 tie with Switzerland at Russia 2018.
