Brazil Pays the Price for a Slow Start Against Morocco in 2026 World Cup – Vinicius

Brazil forward Vinícius Júnior criticized his side’s slow start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Seleção drew 1‑1 with Morocco in Group C at MetLife Stadium on Saturday.

The match began with Morocco in control. Ismaël Saïbari opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a skillful chip. Brazil responded when Vinícius, after exchanging passes with Bruno Guimarães, struck a spectacular right‑footed goal in the 32nd minute to level the score.

After the game, the Real Madrid star said Brazil “paid the price for a sluggish start” against a Morocco side that had been told by their coach to play without fear.

“We started on a really bad note,” Vinícius told FIFA.com. “We conceded that first goal and after that it’s hard to get going. It’s the first match, it’s always hard. But we’ve got to improve and keep growing because the competition is just beginning. This is the World Cup, there are no easy matches. I don’t think there’s a lot to say now. We really have to improve.”

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti urged patience as the team recovers from a slow opening. “I think this was a tough match, especially in the beginning. The team was a bit anxious and nerves were all over the place,” he said. “We didn’t play well, but we cannot lose heart. This is the first match in the World Cup and we can’t expect the team to be perfect from the get-go. This was the result we had. It wasn’t bad, but we’ll keep picking up from the second match on. You don’t win a World Cup based on your first match.”