Morocco Takes World Cup Lead
Morocco's Ismael Saibari Scores Opening Goal Against Brazil in World Cup Match
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Ismael Saibari put Morocco ahead of five-time world champions Brazil with a composed chip over goalkeeper Alisson Becker in the 21st minute of their 2026 World Cup Group C opener at MetLife Stadium on June 13. BBC reported the 25-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder's clinical finish gave the Atlas Lions a 1-0 lead in what analysts called the group stage's first true heavyweight clash.
Brazil leveled through VinÃcius Júnior in the 32nd minute, ending the first half 1-1. The result keeps both nations — ranked 6th and 7th in the world — level at the top of Group C, according to Sporting News.
A Perfect Chip That Stunned Alisson and Brazil
The goal came from a sharp through-ball by Real Madrid playmaker Brahim DÃaz, who split Brazil's defense wide open. Saibari latched onto the pass and coolly lobbed Alisson Becker, who was caught off his line. Sporting News noted the finish drew immediate comparisons to the best goals of the tournament so far.
Alisson was visibly frustrated after being beaten, with his defenders drawing the goalkeeper's sharp reaction. The goal came after Morocco had already threatened in the 6th minute, when a 20-meter shot by Neil El Aynaoui was blocked by Gabriel, per BBC.
Who Is Ismael Saibari? From Belgian Streets to World Cup History
Saibari was born in Spain and raised in Belgium before choosing to represent Morocco. He plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie and has 31 caps for the national team, according to Sporting News. In the 2025/26 season, he recorded 15 goals and 8 assists, earning the Eredivisie Player of the Season award.
The 25-year-old previously captained Morocco's U-23 side to an AFCON title in 2023. His World Cup goal has reportedly sparked interest from FC Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, with Bayern said to be in advanced talks for his signature, per Yahoo Sports.
Morocco Arrives as a Genuine Contender, Not a Surprise
Morocco is no longer just an underdog story. After their historic 2022 semi-final run in Qatar, the Atlas Lions entered this match ranked 7th in the world — one spot behind Brazil. New head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who replaced Walid Regragui in March 2026, has kept the team unbeaten since taking charge.
Ouahbi said before the match: "We don't need to fear Brazil." Even Brazil's Carlo Ancelotti showed respect, warning: "Morocco is one of the best teams in Africa. Fear is an important part of life — if you're not afraid, you might see a lion and think it's a cat," per Sporting News.
Brazil's 24-Year Drought Grows Heavier After MetLife Draw
Brazil entered the match unbeaten in their last 20 World Cup openers — 17 wins and 3 draws. But the draw adds to growing pressure on a squad that finished just 5th in South American qualifying. Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002, a drought now stretching 24 years.
VinÃcius Júnior's 32nd-minute equalizer — a curling finish into the top-right corner — marked his 10th goal in his 50th international appearance. Still, the inability to hold a lead against Morocco will fuel debate back home. Both teams next face Scotland and Haiti, where a win would largely secure a place in the expanded 48-team knockout round, according to BBC.
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