Saibari Stuns at World Cup as Bayern Move Gains Praise

Ismael Saibari, the PSV star who is set to join Bayern Munich, scored Morocco’s opening goal in a 1-0 win over Scotland after just 70 seconds. The goal, scored overnight between Friday and Saturday, was the fastest of the 2026 World Cup. It was also Saibari’s second goal of the tournament after he had already scored against Brazil.

Morocco’s attack began almost immediately, as the team took possession after 14 seconds and finished the move after 56 seconds of passing. Saibari also became only the second African player in history to score in his first two World Cup matches, following Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, who did it in 2018.

International media praised the 2026 World Cup standout. French outlet RMC called him “a top-level player” and highlighted his intelligence in movement and in exploiting space between central and wide areas, adding that his finishing now resembles that of a ruthless striker. French publication Actu Foot joked that “Bayern now has to pay 10 million euros more” for him.

Andres Ramos Mas wrote that Bayern had made “an enormous steal” by signing Saibari before the World Cup and said his market value would have doubled if the club had not acted now. Brazilian journalist Luis Fernando said Saibari is “one of the best attacking players in this World Cup,” describing him as an excellent athlete who can play as a number nine in Morocco’s new setup. He added that Vincent Kompany and Bayern understood his potential and called Saibari “Morocco’s unicorn.”