Morocco’s Saibari scores fastest 2026 World Cup goal to defeat Scotland
Ismael Saibari of the Atlas Lions of Morocco on Friday scored the fastest goal of the ongoing 2026 World Cup, in just 70 seconds, and enough to secure them victory over Scotland, at the Gillette Stadium, Boston, United States of America.
Saibari who scored the lone goal by controlling a pass from Brahim Diaz, before firing home past Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn, now becomes the second African player to score in each of his first two World Cup appearances, after Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.
His goal also made it Morocco’s fastest ever goal at a World Cup, and the second-fastest by an African nation in the tournament’s history, behind Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan, who scored in the 68th second against Czech Republic at the 2006 World Cup.
With the victory, the African side temporarily sat atop Group C, until later in the day, when Brazil put three first half goals past Haiti, to claim maximum points at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Brazil’s Matheus Cunha scored a brace, with his first goal coming in the 23rd and the second in the 36th minute, while Vinícius Júnior wrapped up the victory in the third minute of the first-half’s injury time.
After two matches, the African side sits second in Group C with four points, same with first placed Brazil who have a superior goal difference. Scotland is third with three points while Haiti is bottom with no point.
Next up for Morocco in their final group game is Haiti, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday, while Scotland will square up with Brazil at the Hard Rock Stadium at Miami Gardens in Florida, same time.
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