World Cup 2026: Ismael Saibari’s mother breaks down in tears after Morocco’s dramatic qualification

Ismael Saibari’s mother was overcome with emotion after witnessing her son play a decisive role in Morocco’s dramatic qualification to the round 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Atlas Lions booked their place in the next round following a tense penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time during their Round of 32 clash.

In a night filled with pressure and intensity, Morocco once again showed remarkable composure from the penalty spot to seal a famous victory and continue their unforgettable run in the tournament.

Saibari stepped up in the decisive moment, confidently converting his penalty to help send Morocco through to the next round, sparking jubilant celebrations among players and supporters.

But the most emotional moment came immediately after the final whistle.

The Moroccan midfielder rushed towards the stands to celebrate with his family, where his mother was waiting. Overwhelmed by pride and emotion, she broke down in tears as she embraced her son, unable to contain her feelings after witnessing his contribution to a historic World Cup night.

The touching scene quickly spread across social media, with fans praising the powerful family moment that highlighted the human side of football beyond the result on the pitch.

Saibari’s mother remained in tears as she held her son tightly, while the midfielder shared the joy of Morocco’s landmark achievement with his closest supporter.

The emotional celebration has since become one of the defining images of Morocco’s World Cup journey, symbolising the sacrifices, support and dedication behind every player on the biggest stage in world football.

For Morocco, the victory marks another major milestone in their historic campaign, as they continue to exceed expectations and push deeper into the knockout stages.

Attention now turns to the quarter-finals, where the Atlas Lions will face Canada in another crucial test as they aim to extend their remarkable World Cup run.

But for many fans, it is not just the result that will be remembered — it is the sight of Saibari’s mother breaking down in tears as her son helped carry Morocco into the last eight of the world.