Brazil and Morocco reached half-time level at 1-1 in a 2026 World Cup match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Morocco made a lightning quick start and took the lead when Ismael Saibari chipped the ball over Alisson. Vinicius Jr. then levelled the score against the run of play with a sensational finish into the roof of the net.
Play through the first half was mostly dominated by Morocco, with a pair of standout goals setting up an open second half. Vinicius Jr. continued remonstrating with referee Slavko Vincic after a challenge from Achraf Hakimi caught him on the ankle with studs as the sides headed to the locker rooms.
Brazil showed fleeting moments of attacking quality but struggled with defensive organisation in the opening 45 minutes. Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro were repeatedly caught ahead of the ball as Morocco's midfield pressed forward. Lucas Paqueta later tried an acrobatic scissor kick that drew a save from Bono.
The equalizer shifted the mood inside the stadium. Brazil supporters, who had grown increasingly restless as Morocco controlled stretches of the match were reinvigorated after Vinicius Jr. raised the roof with his finish. Brazil looked far more awake after the goal and appeared to fancy their chances of testing Morocco again before half-time at MetLife Stadium.
