Saibari lobs Alisson to give Morocco a stunning lead against Brazil at World Cup 2026

Ismail Saibari gave Morocco a deserved lead against Brazil in New Jersey on 13 June, producing one of the most eye-catching finishes of World Cup 2026. The PSV forward collected a perfectly weighted through ball from Brahim Diaz, glided between Marquinhos and Gabriel, and coolly lobbed Alisson to make it 1-0.

Morocco were arguably unlucky the scoreline was not more flattering. They started the stronger side, pinning Brazil inside their own box in the opening ten minutes — so dominant that Morocco supporters were chanting ‘Ole’ with every pass around the 11-minute mark.

Brazil’s best early chance fell to Igor Thiago, making his World Cup debut. The Brentford striker failed to connect with a Vinicius Jr cross from point-blank range around 13 minutes, a miss that proved costly as Morocco capitalised at the other end shortly after.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team selection raised eyebrows before kick-off, with Roger Ibanez and Douglas Santos deployed at full-back and Thiago preferred in attack. Brazil gradually worked their way into the game, with Vinicius Jr spinning clear of the Morocco backline around the 18-minute mark to register his first shot at goal of the tournament.

Saibari’s finish, however, remained the defining moment of the half — a clinical, composed piece of individual quality against one of the tournament favourites.