Brazil held by Morocco as Scotland top the group and Australia stun Türkiye

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Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opener, dropping points in Carlo Ancelotti's first World Cup match in charge and without the injured Neymar. Vinícius Júnior levelled in the 32nd minute after Morocco had gone in front, but the favourites could not find a winner against a well-drilled opponent.

Scotland made the most of the day in the same group, beating Haiti 1-0 through John McGinn's 28th-minute strike to move top of Group C — above Brazil after the opening round. It was a composed, disciplined start for a side handed a demanding draw.

Australia produced the day's biggest surprise, beating Türkiye 2-0. Nestory Irankunda struck on the counter in the 27th minute and Connor Metcalfe doubled the lead in the 75th to give the Socceroos a statement win.

Transfer and squad notes

Switzerland were left frustrated in the day's other Group B fixture, dominating Qatar but conceding a last-gasp equaliser to Boualem Khoukhi that earned the hosts of the 2022 finals a point and left it 1-1.

Brazil, meanwhile, remain without Neymar, who sat out the Morocco draw with a calf injury and is reported to be targeting the second group game against Haiti on 19 June. His absence was felt as the Seleção settled for a share of the spoils.

What it means for the league

Day 3 underlined how the expanded field can flatten the gap between favourites and the rest: Brazil and Switzerland were both held, while Australia's win over Türkiye and Qatar's late leveller offered early reminders that few results can be taken for granted. Scotland's victory, in particular, leaves them in control of their own destiny atop a tough group.

For Brazil, a draw is far from disastrous but raises the stakes on Neymar's return, with the Seleção needing to find their rhythm quickly. The opening round now nears completion, with the picture in each group beginning to sharpen.