Have Morocco just scored the goal of the World Cup so far?

Ismael Saibari #11 of Morocco celebrates scoring his team's first goal against Brazil
Ismael Saibari gives Morocco lift-off (Image credit: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
0

Ismael Saibari may have just scored the goal of World Cup 2026 so far.

The Morocco centre-forward capitalised on a through ball that ripped through the Brazil defence, before lobbing the ball over Alisson.

The PSV star breezed between Marquinhos and Gabriel, latching onto a beautiful ball from Brahim Diaz.

Ismail Saibari nets for Morocco against Brazil

We've had some decent goals so far at World Cup 2026: and no doubt this one from Saibari will be beaten in the weeks that follow.

But for now, is this the best goal at the tournament?

For our money, yes: especially considering it came against Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil.

Morocco are actually unlucky it's only 1-0.

Ancelotti went with a somewhat surprising line-up for the fixture, choosing Roger Ibanez and Douglas Santos in the full-back positions, and opting for Brentford striker Igor Thiago in attack.

Morocco actually started the stronger of the two sides in the first 10 minutes, however, penning the Brazilians into their own box and putting them on the back foot: so much so that on around 11 minutes, Morocco fans were chanting ‘Ole’ with every pass.

Neymar greets Brazil fans ahead of the clash against Morocco in the World Cup

Neymar is missing for Brazil tonight (Image credit: Getty Images)

Igor Thiago, making his World Cup debut, missed a golden opportunity around 13 minutes to put the Brazilians ahead against the run of play: the failed to connect with a Vinicius Jr cross around six yards out for a point-blank header.

Brazil got ahold of the game a little more from then on, dictating play a little more: Vinicius Jr spun away from the Morocco backline around 18 minutes and had his first chance at goal of the tournament, in a well-executed Brazil move.

Is this the goal of the tournament? Tell us in the comments…

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.