Ismael Saibari became the first African player to score in all three World Cup group-stage matches as Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 and reached the Round of 32, with coach Mohamed Ouahbi praising his side’s growth.
Ismael Saibari created African football history as Morocco came from behind twice to defeat Haiti 4-2 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, with head coach Mohamed Ouahbi declaring that the Atlas Lions are now “operating on another level”.
Saibari continued his outstanding World Cup campaign by scoring in a third consecutive group-stage match, becoming the first African player to find the net in each of his country’s three group-stage games at a FIFA World Cup. The midfielder had previously scored against Brazil and Scotland.
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According to Opta, the PSV Eindhoven star is also the first African footballer since Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan in 2010 to score three goals in a single World Cup tournament.
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His latest strike helped Morocco overcome a spirited Haiti side in a thrilling Group C contest and ensured the North Africans progressed to the knockout stage as group runners-up.
The victory was significant for another reason as well, marking the first time Morocco has scored four goals in a World Cup match.
“We are operating on another level,” Ouahbi said after Morocco confirmed their place in the last 32, reflecting on the rapid progress made by the team since their historic semifinal run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Morocco was forced to dig deep after Haiti stunned them with an early lead. Lenny Joseph capitalised on a dangerous cross from Jean-Kevin Duverne in the 10th minute, with the ball deflecting off goalkeeper Yassine Bounou for an own goal. It was Haiti’s first World Cup goal in 52 years.
Achraf Hakimi restored parity in the 39th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound, but Haiti struck again just before half-time when Wilson Isidor curled home a superb long-range effort.
Morocco responded immediately through Saibari, who converted Hakimi’s cross in stoppage time to make it 2-2 heading into the break.
The Atlas Lions dominated possession in the second half but struggled to break down Haiti’s resilient defence until Ouahbi’s substitutions changed the game.
Soufiane Rahimi made an immediate impact, firing Morocco ahead in the 78th minute after a goalmouth scramble from a corner. Rahimi then turned provider late on, setting up Gessime Yassine to seal the 4-2 victory in the 89th minute.
Morocco ended the contest with 22 shots and 11 efforts on target, underlining their attacking dominance.
Veteran goalkeeper Bounou believes the current squad is continuing the legacy established by Morocco’s history-making side of 2022.
“It’s something really special and, above all, it’s exciting. I think as a team we’re improving, although that doesn’t always show in the results because winning depends on so many things. Hopefully, luck will be on our side and we can go a long way,” he said.
Morocco’s rise has been fuelled by a new generation of talent. Fourteen members of the current squad were born in 2000 or later, while only Azzedine Ounahi and Bilal El Khannouss experienced the country’s run to the semifinals in Qatar.
Among the emerging stars is Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad, who has started all three group-stage matches at his first World Cup.
“We are a young team, but a very ambitious one. The players from 2022 are fantastic role models, and we want to build on what they achieved,” Riad said.
With history-maker Saibari leading from the front and a talented young core gaining confidence, Morocco head into the knockout rounds believing they can once again challenge the world’s elite.
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