World Cup 2026: Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari leading Morocco’s charge

Morocco’s strong start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has placed the Atlas Lions firmly on course for the knockout stage while further strengthening the country’s growing legacy on football’s biggest stage.

After opening the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Brazil before defeating Scotland, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side have collected four points from their first two matches and continued rewriting history in the process.

The Atlas Lions have now become the first Moroccan team to avoid defeat in their opening two matches at consecutive FIFA World Cups following the nation’s historic semifinal run in Qatar in 2022.

Morocco also remain the first African country to ever reach the semifinals of the World Cup and are now attempting to build on that remarkable achievement with another deep tournament run in North America.

Achraf Hakimi leading Morocco from right back

Several Moroccan stars have produced outstanding performances during the opening phase of the competition, with captain Achraf Hakimi once again emerging as one of the team’s most influential figures.

According to statistics published by Almountakhab, the Paris Saint-Germain defender currently leads Morocco in completed passes with 144, crosses with 10, and shots on target with five despite operating primarily as a right back.

Hakimi’s numbers underline his growing importance to Morocco both defensively and offensively as the Atlas Lions continue their push for qualification.

Ismael Saibari shines at both ends of the pitch

Ismael Saibari has also enjoyed a brilliant start to the World Cup campaign.

The midfielder currently leads Morocco’s scoring chart with two goals while also registering the highest number of sprints with 145 and defensive pressures with 107.

His all action displays have made him one of Morocco’s standout performers through the opening two fixtures.

Brahim Diaz and midfield stars contribute heavily

Brahim Diaz has established himself as Morocco’s leading creator with two assists so far in the tournament.

Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui has covered the greatest distance among the squad after running 24.07 kilometres across matches against Brazil and Scotland.

Elsewhere, Issa Diop has recorded the highest number of line breaking attempts with 53, while Azzedine Ounahi has offered the most passing options to teammates with 130 movements creating solutions in possession.

Morocco players’ key statistics after two matches

Top scorer: Ismael Saibari (2 goals)

Most passes: Achraf Hakimi (144)

Most crosses: Achraf Hakimi (10)

Most shots on target: Achraf Hakimi (5)

Most assists: Brahim Diaz (2)

Greatest distance covered: Neil El Aynaoui (24.07 km)

Most sprints: Ismael Saibari (145)

Most line-breaking attempts: Issa Diop (53)

Most passing options offered: Azzedine Ounahi (130)

Most defensive pressures: Ismael Saibari (107)

Atlas Lions continue rewriting African football history

Morocco’s latest performances have extended the momentum built during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Atlas Lions have now gone five consecutive World Cup matches without defeat, becoming the first African nation to achieve that feat.

The current squad is also chasing another historic milestone as Morocco aim to qualify for the knockout stage in back-to-back World Cups for the first time in the country’s history.