Brazil Held, Australia Stun Turkey in World Cup Opener

The 2026 World Cup opened with two major surprises overnight, as Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco and Australia beat Turkey 2-0. The results left Australia level with the United States at the top of Group D, while Brazil and Morocco split the points in Group C.

Brazil, one of the tournament favorites, struggled against a Morocco side that reached the 2022 World Cup semifinals. At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Morocco led in the 21st minute through Ismail Saibari after looking sharper early on. Brazil answered in the 32nd minute with a brilliant Vinicius Junior goal, but they failed to create much danger afterward.

Carlo Ancelotti, making his World Cup debut as Brazil coach, made several second-half substitutions in search of a winner, but the move did not change the game. Raphinha also had little impact, while Neymar was absent with injury and could return for the next match against Haiti.

Australia produced one of the biggest shocks of the opening round at BC Place in Vancouver. Turkey, back at a World Cup for the first time since 2002, could not cope with Australia’s organized, physical play. Nestor Irankunda, 20, scored in the 27th minute after beating three defenders and finishing past goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, and Connor Metcalfe sealed the win in the 75th minute with a long-range strike from 25 meters. The Socceroos’ victory followed the United States’ 4-1 win over Paraguay in Group D.