Hakimi spared by referee after stamp on Vinicius: World Cup controversy

Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1 at MetLife Stadium in New York during the first day of Group C at the 2026 World Cup, but it was a refereeing decision that dominated discussions after the final whistle.

In the added time of the first half, minutes after Vinicius Jr’s equalizer, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi stamped hard on the Brazilian forward’s left ankle. Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic whistled for the foul but did not show a card. VAR, after review, confirmed the decision without intervening. Replays of the incident quickly circulated on social media, fueling confusion among many Brazilian supporters.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a consultant at the competition, did not mince words. “When I saw the challenge, my first reaction was simple: the referee must take control. It’s not a question of reputation, nor of the moment in the match, it’s a question of protection. The forward had gone past, the danger is obvious, and the contact comes too late,” said the former PSG striker.

Dimitar Berbatov shared the same view. “I have to be honest: when I saw Hakimi’s intervention on Vinicius Junior tonight, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The boy was gone, dangerous, and Hakimi arrives late with his studs showing, catching him on the ankle. In my playing days, that’s a red card. A potential red card, every time. Without a doubt,” said the former Bulgarian international.

Sportively, Morocco had opened the scoring through Ismaël Saibari before Vinicius Jr restored parity with a precise strike before the break. The second half, less eventful, did not allow either team to make the difference. Despite the tension generated by the incident, the two players exchanged a few words and smiles as they headed back to the dressing room.