2026 World Cup: Brazil Drop Points Against Morocco, Australia Stun Turkey, Scotland Win

Brazil needed a moment of brilliance from Vinicius Jr to avoid a shock defeat against Morocco as the five-time world champions were held to a 1-1 draw in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

The Selecao fell behind after 21 minutes when Ismael Saibari capitalised on a misunderstanding between goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defenders Gabriel and Marquinhos, lifting the ball over the stranded Liverpool shot-stopper from outside the area.

The strike made history as Morocco became the first African champions to score against South American opposition at the World Cup. Morocco dominated much of the first half and had registered 12 shots by the half-hour mark, the highest number Brazil had faced in a World Cup game since meeting Mexico in 2018.

However, Morocco’s inability to convert further chances proved costly. Vinicius, making his 50th appearance for Brazil, restored parity 13 minutes before the interval. The Real Madrid forward collected a pass from Bruno Guimaraes inside the box, cut onto his right foot and fired beyond Yassine Bounou.

Lucas Paqueta nearly completed the turnaround before the break, but his acrobatic effort was brilliantly turned behind.

With members of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad, including Ronaldo, Kaka and Roberto Carlos, watching from the stands, Carlo Ancelotti’s men improved after the restart. Yet clear-cut opportunities remained scarce, with Raphinha coming closest when he narrowly missed connecting with a low cross from Guimaraes.

The draw preserved Brazil’s remarkable unbeaten record in opening World Cup matches, a run stretching back 92 years, while Morocco’s search for a first opening-game victory continues.

Irankunda Makes History as Australia Stun Turkey in 2026 World Cup Clash

Nestory Irankunda etched his name into Australian football history as the Socceroos claimed an impressive 2-0 victory over Turkey in their opening Group D match in Vancouver.

The Watford forward became Australia’s youngest-ever World Cup goalscorer at 20 years and 125 days, breaking the record previously held by Brett Holman, who scored against Ghana in 2010 at the age of 26 years and 84 days.

Irankunda crowned a lively display with a superb first-half finish after controlling a pass from Paul Okon-Engstler and creating enough space to drill a low effort into the net.

Australia’s youthful side, featuring 10 World Cup debutants and the nation’s youngest tournament team in years, showed composure against a Turkish side making its first World Cup appearance since 2002.

Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Turkey found Patrick Beach in inspired form. The goalkeeper, handed his first competitive international appearance ahead of veteran Mat Ryan, produced key saves to deny Abdulkerim Bardakci, Arda Guler and Zeki Celik.

The Socceroos sealed the result through Connor Metcalfe, who punished a defensive mistake before calmly firing into the bottom corner. The victory gives Tony Popovic’s side a dream start to their campaign and puts them in a strong position early in Group D.

McGinn Fires Scotland to First World Cup Win Since 1990

John McGinn delivered when Scotland needed him most, scoring the decisive goal as Steve Clarke’s side secured a nervy 1-0 victory over Haiti and celebrated their first World Cup win in 36 years.

The result marked a memorable return to football’s biggest stage for Scotland, who are appearing at the tournament for the first time since 1998. Before kick-off, Clarke admitted selecting McGinn ahead of Ryan Christie was “probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make” and challenged the Aston Villa captain to justify his inclusion.

The midfielder answered in the best possible way, guiding Scotland to the top of Group C and moving them closer to a first-ever appearance in the knockout stages.

Scotland began brightly but struggled to impose themselves against a determined Haitian side. The Caribbean nation repeatedly threatened with crosses into the penalty area, forcing goalkeeper Angus Gunn into several alert interventions. Memories of previous World Cup disappointments lingered as Scotland found it difficult to turn possession into clear opportunities.

McGinn missed a chance to settle nerves with 20 minutes remaining when he dragged an effort wide, setting up a tense finale. Haiti nearly snatched an equaliser when Frantzdy Pierrot headed off target, but Scotland held firm to secure a landmark victory. Clarke’s men return to Boston on 19 June to face Morocco, knowing that another positive result could all but secure a place in the last 16.