Bouaddi shines for Morocco as Brazil are held to a draw in World Cup opener

Teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi announced himself on the world stage as Morocco held Brazil to a draw in their 2026 World Cup group game at MetLife Stadium. The Lille midfielder dominated the contest statistically — 88 touches, 11 duels won, 93% passing accuracy — and upstaged Vinícius Júnior, who scored Brazil's equaliser but was widely seen as fortunate to take the man-of-the-match award. Brazil failing to beat Morocco in their opening game is a significant early stumble for one of the tournament's leading contenders.