EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Brazil's quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title began with a warning Saturday.
Despite a brilliant equalizer from superstar Vinícius Júnior, Brazil was held to a 1-1 draw by an impressive Morocco side that once again showed why it remains one of the most dangerous teams in international football.
Playing before a crowd of 80,663 at MetLife Stadium, the site of next month's World Cup final, Morocco matched Brazil's talent and intensity throughout a pulsating Group C showdown between two of the tournament's top-ranked teams.
The matchup was one of the most anticipated of the opening round, pitting sixth-ranked Brazil against seventh-ranked Morocco, the only two top-10 nations drawn together in the first phase of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Morocco, which captured global attention with its historic run to the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, looked every bit the contender from the opening whistle.
The Atlas Lions struck first in the 21st minute after capitalizing on a costly Brazilian mistake. Midfielder Lucas Paquetá lost possession following a short pass from Roger Ibañez, allowing Morocco to launch a swift counterattack.
After Noussair Mazraoui found Brahim Díaz in midfield, Díaz delivered a perfectly weighted through ball that split Brazil's defense. Ismael Saibari raced onto it and calmly chipped goalkeeper Alisson Becker for his 10th international goal, stunning the sea of yellow-clad Brazilian supporters.
For a moment, the atmosphere inside MetLife Stadium grew noticeably quieter.
Brazil, however, responded through one of the game's brightest stars.
In the 32nd minute, Vinícius combined with Bruno Guimarães down the left flank before creating space for himself at the edge of the penalty area. The Real Madrid winger unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that flew beyond the reach of Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and into the net.
The goal, Vinícius' 10th for Brazil, restored parity and reminded the world why he is expected to be one of the tournament's defining players.
Yet Morocco refused to wilt.
The African champions continued to challenge Brazil throughout the second half with organized defending and dangerous counterattacks, while Brazil struggled to generate the sustained attacking pressure many expected from a squad loaded with world-class talent.
Brazil entered the tournament under the guidance of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, who became the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a World Cup. The Italian manager, dressed in a three-piece suit despite temperatures reaching 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 Celsius), watched his side extend a remarkable streak of avoiding defeat in World Cup openers.
Brazil has now gone 21 consecutive World Cup opening matches without a loss, a run that includes 17 victories and dates back to a defeat against Spain in 1934.
Still, the draw will leave mixed emotions for the Seleção.
Brazil was without injured superstar Neymar, who continues to recover from a torn calf muscle and did not dress for the match. His absence was felt at times as Brazil searched for creativity in the final third.
For Morocco, the result further reinforced its status as a legitimate contender on the world stage. After becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal four years ago, the Atlas Lions showed they are capable of competing toe-to-toe with one of the sport's traditional powers.
Both teams remain well-positioned in Group C.
Brazil will travel to Philadelphia to face Haiti on Friday before concluding group play against Scotland in Miami Gardens, Florida. Morocco will meet Scotland in Foxborough, Massachusetts, before finishing the group stage against Haiti in Atlanta.
While Vinícius provided the highlight for Brazil, the bigger story may have been Morocco's continued rise. On a sweltering evening just outside New York City, the Atlas Lions once again proved they belong among the world's elite.