Moroccan attacking midfielder Ismael Saibari scored a decisive brace in the match on Friday, September 5, 2025, securing a crushing 5-0 victory for Morocco against Niger and thus ensuring the first qualification of an African team for the 2026 World Cup. This historic match took place at the recently renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, in front of more than 68,000 enthusiastic spectators. Saibari, playing for PSV Eindhoven, netted both goals in the first half, establishing a comfortable lead for his team.
This qualification marks a major milestone for African football, with Morocco becoming the first nation on the continent to secure a spot for the global tournament to be held jointly in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Saibari’s role was crucial in this collective performance, showcasing a young talent following the generation that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. With this brace, Saibari cements his position as a key player for the Moroccan national team undergoing a renewal.
Beyond his individual performance, the match was marked by Morocco’s tactical and physical superiority, especially after a Nigerien player was sent off shortly before halftime, allowing the Atlas Lions to assert their dominance. Other scorers such as Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi also contributed to this wide victory, but it was Saibari who sparked the winning momentum right from the start of the match.
This early qualification places Morocco as an African favorite for the next World Cup, with a young and talented squad to closely watch. The impact of Ismael Saibari and his brace in this historic match will very likely signal his rise in international football, drawing full attention from fans and experts across the continent.