Morocco's Ismael Saibari etched his name into World Cup history during a thrilling Group C clash against Haiti in Atlanta on June 25, 2026. The midfielder scored in his third consecutive group stage match, becoming the first African player to achieve this feat in a single FIFA World Cup tournament.
Record-breaking performance by Saibari
According to OptaJoe, Saibari is the first African footballer to score in each of his team's three group stage matches in a World Cup. He had previously found the net against Brazil and Scotland. Additionally, he is the first African player to score three goals in a single FIFA World Cup since Ghana's Asamoah Gyan in 2010.
Morocco secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Haiti, coming from behind twice to confirm their place in the World Cup Round of 32 as group runners-up. The match was an entertaining affair that saw both teams display attacking intent.
Match summary: Haiti shocks Morocco early
Haiti made a dream start, shocking Morocco in the 10th minute. Lenny Joseph reacted quickly inside the box after a dangerous cross from Jean-Kevin Duverne, with the ball deflecting off goalkeeper Yassine Bounou for an own goal to give Haiti a 1-0 lead. Notably, the goal marked Haiti's first at the World Cup in 52 years.
Morocco pushed forward in search of an equaliser and eventually found it in the 39th minute when Achraf Hakimi scored from close range after Bilal El Khannouss' effort was saved and rebounded into his path. The match remained open and dramatic, and Haiti struck again just before the break. Wilson Isidor produced a stunning long-range curling effort in the 43rd minute to restore Haiti's lead at 2-1. However, Morocco responded almost immediately, with Ismael Saibari finishing a well-placed cross from Hakimi in stoppage time to level the match at 2-2 going into halftime.
Second half dominance and tactical changes
Morocco dominated possession in the second half, controlling around 70% of the ball and creating several chances, but Haiti defended resiliently with goalkeeper Johny Placide making key saves to keep the score level. Despite their control, Morocco had to rely on tactical changes to break through.
The turning point came after substitutions around the 70th minute, with Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine added to increase attacking intensity. Rahimi made an instant impact, scoring in the 78th minute after pouncing on a loose ball from a corner to put Morocco ahead for the first time. As Haiti pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Morocco struck on the counter in the 89th minute. Rahimi turned provider this time, delivering a low cut-back for Gessime Yassine to finish into an empty net, sealing a 4-2 win.
Statistics and impact
Morocco finished strongly with 22 shots and 11 on target according to the FIFA website, while Haiti exited the tournament with pride after a spirited performance. Saibari's historic achievement highlights the growing influence of African players on the global stage, as Morocco continues to make the continent proud.
