Thiago starts for Brazil in World Cup opener against Morocco
Brentford striker Igor Thiago led the line for Brazil as Carlo Ancelotti’s side began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco in New York.
The Bees no.9 was named in the starting XI at MetLife Stadium, where Ismael Saibari opened the scoring for the North African side, before Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior equalised shortly after.
It was the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations winners who started the stronger of the two teams, taking the lead midway through the first half when Brahim Díaz slipped a pass through to Saibari, who lifted a composed finish over Alisson.
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Brazil were made to work hard for a response, but levelled shortly after the half-hour mark through Vinícius Jr.
The winger exchanged passes with Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães, cut inside, and bent a brilliant effort into the top corner to bring the five-time world champions level before the break.
Thiago played 62 minutes and continued to offer Brazil a physical presence through the middle, occupying the well-organised Moroccan defenders.
The 24-year-old came close to putting his side ahead early in the second half with a fierce strike that forced Yassine Bounou into a save.
Brazil pushed for a winner as the game opened up, with Raphinha going close to turning home a low cross from Guimarães, but Morocco also remained a threat and Alisson Becker was called upon late on to preserve a point.
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The result leaves both sides on one point after their opening Group C fixture, with Scotland top of the group after a 1-0 victory over Haiti.
Brazil return to action against Haiti in Philadelphia on Saturday 20 June (1.30am kick-off BST).
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