Morocco’s rising star Ismael Saibari has written his name into the history books of Moroccan, African, and Arab football after netting a crucial goal against Haiti in the final group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The newly-signed Bayern Munich midfielder brilliantly met a low cross from Achraf Hakimi, unleashing an unstoppable strike to rescue an equalizer for the Atlas Lions just before the halftime whistle.
This strike marks Saibari’s third goal of the current tournament. He had previously scored against Brazil and netted the fastest-ever goal for an Arab nation in World Cup history against Scotland—which also stands as the second-fastest goal of the 2026 tournament overall.
Breaking African and Moroccan Records
With this goal, Saibari officially ties with Youssef En-Nesyri as Morocco’s all-time top scorer in World Cup history, with both players sitting on 3 goals.
Furthermore, Saibari has achieved a monumental milestone by becoming the first player in African football history to score in three consecutive group stage matches of a single World Cup edition. This historic feat highlights the incredible form the youngster is enjoying under manager Mohamed Wahbi.
Tying Mohamed Salah as All-Time Arab Top Scorer
By reaching his third goal, Saibari has also climbed to the top of the all-time Arab World Cup scoring charts, tying with Egypt’s Mohamed Salah on 3 goals.
He joins an elite group of just four other Arab players who have hit the 3-goal milestone in World Cup history: Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco), Wahbi Khazri (Tunisia), Sami Al-Jaber (Saudi Arabia), and Salem Al-Dawsari (Saudi Arabia).
With Morocco safely through, Saibari now has a golden opportunity to break these ties and become the undisputed all-time top Arab and Moroccan scorer in World Cup history if he manages to find the back of the net in the upcoming Round of 32.
