Morocco have a bright future and could even improve on their run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals in 2026, boss Mohamed Ouahbi declared after their 1-1 draw with Brazil.

The Atlas Lions, whose fourth-placed finish in Qatar was the best-ever by an African nation, produced a dazzling first-half performance against the Selecao in New Jersey.

A lobbed finish from Bayern Munich target Ismael Saibari put Morocco ahead in their Group C opener, and though Vinicius Junior's solo goal wiped out their lead in the 32nd minute, Morocco continued to force the issue against the five-time champions.

They ended the game having amassed 14 shots and 1.37 expected goals (xG), compared to Brazil's 12 attempts with an xG value of 1.26.

Morocco became only the second side on record (since 1966) to attempt five shots against Brazil within the opening 10 minutes of a World Cup match, after Portugal, who achieved the feat in 1966.

The Atlas Lions had 12 shots in the first half of Saturday's game, and though they were less creative in the second period, they almost snatched a stoppage-time winner when Alisson made a double save to thwart Neil El Aynaoui and Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab.

"For the future of Moroccan football, we are confident. We drew; we're happy. We would have wanted to win, obviously, but I'm not sad," Ouahbi said.

"What I'm really proud of is that we're bold enough to play and ask for the ball under pressure. This is a great quality that we have.

"I want to go beyond the semi-finals, but it was a good match. One point is good enough and we'll improve."

Morocco are unbeaten in their last five World Cup group-stage matches (W2 D3), marking their longest such run in the tournament, surpassing their previous record of four games (W1 D3) between 1970 and 1986.

They played 157 passes in the final third, significantly more than the 100 managed by a disjointed Brazil side, with Carlo Ancelotti deciding to withdraw Casemiro and Roger Ibanez at the interval following a difficult first period.

Two of Morocco’s top four World Cup performances in terms of passes in the final third were against Brazil, also having 137 against them in 1998. Their record is still 190 versus Saudi Arabia in 1994.

"We did what we had planned, but I was facing Carlo Ancelotti, so it was not simple," Ouahbi added.

"The substitutes did well. The heat affected the players, and some of them are taking part in their first World Cup. It is not easy."

Morocco must now turn their attentions to Friday's meeting with Scotland, who are top of Group C following a 1-0 victory over Haiti on Saturday.

John McGinn's deflected first-half effort was enough to secure the three points, with Scotland winning their opening match at a World Cup for the third time, having previously done so in 1974 and 1982.