Ismael Saibari, PSV’s standout midfielder who is set to join Bayern Munich, gave Morocco a 1-0 lead over Scotland after just 70 seconds in the early hours of Saturday, in what was described as a brilliant opening to his World Cup campaign. The goal was the fastest in the 2026 World Cup, and it was his second of the tournament after he also scored against Brazil.
Morocco’s move began with possession after 14 seconds, and the team finished a passing sequence lasting 56 seconds before Saibari scored. The strike also made him only the second African player in history to score in his first two World Cup appearances, following Egypt’s Mohamed Salah in 2018.
International media praised the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations champions’ attacker. France’s RMC called him “a player for a top club,” saying his movement and ability to find space between central and wide areas are rare, while noting that his finishing is increasingly becoming that of a lethal striker. The French outlet Foot Mercato joked that Bayern would now have to pay €10 million more for him.
Other reactions were similarly admiring. Andres Ramos Mas called it “a huge steal” by Bayern to sign Saibari before the tournament, adding that his market value would have doubled otherwise. Brazilian journalist Luis Fernando said Saibari is “one of the best attacking players” at the tournament, describing him as a great athlete who can play as a No. 9 in Morocco’s new setup, move between the lines, and already understood by Vincent Kompany and Bayern Munich. He called Saibari “Morocco’s unicorn.”
