Smiles all around as Morocco, Brazil share spoils and Knicks make history

East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States – It was called the pick of the group-stage matches at World Cup 2026 – and it largely lived up to its billing.

Brazil and Morocco squared off in front of a crowd of more than 80,000 passionate fans on Saturday and, with two stunning first-half goals and a frenetic end to the game, set the New York New Jersey Stadium alight.

But the 1-1 draw was only the first half of a historic night of sport in the bistate area.

Once the referee’s full-time whistle blew inside the stadium, local fans rushed out to ensure they did not miss Game 5 of the NBA Finals, in which the New York Knicks sealed a dramatic late victory against the San Antonio Spurs to land their first championship since 1973.

The thousands of Brazilian fans, a smaller number of Morocco supporters and tens of thousands of New York natives all blended in as sport took the front seat in both states.

Earlier, nearly four hours before kickoff, the first group of football fans began arriving at the Secaucus train station in New Jersey to make their final journey to the stadium in East Rutherford.

Having paid a steep and much criticised return fare of $98 for a journey to the stadium from New York or New Jersey, the supporters rushed through the station as tournament volunteers, security officials and bystanders looked on with amusement.

Once outside the venue, the fans brought out their drums, tambourines and best singing voices to create a festive atmosphere.