Ismael Saibari
Moroccan forward who plays for PSV Eindhoven; scored Morocco's opening goal at the 2026 World Cup against Brazil.
Last refreshed: 14 June 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
How did Ismael Saibari score against Brazil at the 2026 World Cup?
Timeline for Ismael Saibari
opened the scoring in the 21st minute from a Brahim Diaz pass
2026 FIFA World Cup: Morocco peg back Brazil at MetLife- Who is Ismael Saibari?
- Ismael Saibari is a 25-year-old Moroccan attacking midfielder who plays for PSV Eindhoven. Born in Spain to Moroccan parents, he was the Eredivisie Player of the Season in 2025-26 and scored Morocco's opening goal against Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.Source: Wikipedia / Yahoo Sports
- What club does Ismael Saibari play for?
- Saibari plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, where he has been based since joining in July 2020.Source: Transfermarkt / Wikipedia
- How did Ismael Saibari score against Brazil at the World Cup?
- Saibari received a Brahim Diaz pass and finished in the 21st minute at MetLife Stadium on 13 June 2026, giving Morocco a 1-1 draw against the five-time champions in their opening group fixture.Source: event
Background
Ismael Saibari is a Moroccan attacking midfielder Born on 28 January 2001 in Terrassa, Spain, to parents from Ksar El Kebir in northern Morocco. He joined PSV Eindhoven in July 2020 and became one of the most productive attacking midfielders in European football, recording 19 goals and 9 assists in 37 matches to win the Eredivisie Player of the Season award for 2025-26. His performances attracted reported interest from Bayern Munich ahead of the summer window.
Saibari opened the scoring in the 21st minute of Morocco's 1-1 draw with Brazil at MetLife Stadium on 13 June 2026, receiving a Brahim Diaz pass and finishing with composure before a crowd of 80,663. Vinicius Junior levelled shortly after the half-hour. It was Saibari's debut goal for Morocco's senior team, having previously shone at the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations. He holds 31 senior caps and has scored 10 international goals.
Saibari's goal against Brazil represented the moment Morocco's new-generation midfield announced itself on the global stage. With Walid Regragui having departed after the AFCON final, new coach Mohamed Ouahbi chose Saibari as a creative cornerstone of a Morocco side that arrived at the tournament as Africa's most ambitious programme after their 2022 semi-final run.
