Ismaeil Saibari Sets World Cup Record as First African to Score in Three Straight Matches

June 28, 2026 — Blessing Okafor 3 min read

Ismaeil Saibari became the first Moroccan and African player to score in three consecutive FIFA World Cup matches after finding the net during Morocco's latest group stage encounter. The 23-year-old forward, who plays his club football for Paris Saint-Germain, continued his remarkable scoring streak at the tournament currently underway in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Saibari's latest goal came during a pivotal Group F fixture against a fellow African nation.

Record-Breaking Achievement Unlocked

Saibari's name now sits alone at the top of African football history books. Prior to his current run, no player from the continent had ever managed to score in three straight World Cup matches. The Casablanca-born striker opened his account in Morocco's tournament opener, doubled his tally in the second group game, and completed the hat-trick of scoring appearances with a composed finish against Croatia. His achievement ends a drought that stretched back to the tournament's inception in 1930. The record had eluded legends such as Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, and Yaya Touré throughout their illustrious international careers.

Coach and Teammates React

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui praised his striker's consistency under pressure. "Ismaeil has worked incredibly hard to reach this level," Regragui told reporters after the match. "He carries the hopes of an entire continent on his shoulders, and he does it with maturity beyond his years." Captain Romain Saiss echoed those sentiments, noting that Saibari's movement and positioning create opportunities for the entire squad. The Moroccan Football Federation released a statement calling the achievement "a source of immense pride for all Moroccans and Africans worldwide."

What This Means for Morocco's Tournament Hopes

With Saibari firing on all cylinders, Morocco now sits in a strong position to advance past the group stage for the second consecutive tournament. The Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals in Qatar 2022, a run that captured the imagination of football fans across Africa. Scoring in three consecutive matches provides crucial momentum heading into the knockout rounds. Morocco needs just one point from their final group game to guarantee progression. The team's next fixture will determine their potential path through the Round of 16 and beyond.

African Football Takes Centre Stage

Saibari's achievement arrives at a time when African nations continue closing the gap with traditional European and South American powers. Three African teams reached the World Cup knockout rounds in 2022, the most in tournament history. Several Nigerian football analysts have noted that Saibari's success raises the bar for African forwards on the world stage. "This shows what African talent can achieve when given the right platform and support," remarked a former Super Eagles striker in comments to local media. The tournament's expanded format, now featuring 48 teams, offers more opportunities than ever for African players to make their mark.

Club Form Translating to International Success

The forward's World Cup scoring spree comes after an exceptional season with his French club. Saibari contributed 18 goals and 12 assists across all competitions for PSG, forming a formidable partnership with French international Kylian Mbappe. That chemistry has visibly carried over to the national team setup. His ability to find space in tight defensive formations has proven particularly valuable against well-organised European opponents. European scouts have taken notice, with reports suggesting several Premier League clubs are preparing summer offers exceeding €85 million for his signature.

Looking Ahead: The Road to History

All eyes now turn to whether Saibari can extend his scoring streak to four consecutive matches. Only four players in World Cup history have achieved that feat, with Germany's Gerd Muller holding the record at five straight matches across the 1970 tournament. Morocco faces a brief recovery period before their final group game, giving Saibari time to rest a minor hamstring concern that surfaced late in the Croatia match. Team medical staff have classified the issue as a precaution, and he is expected to be available for selection. Football fans across Africa will be watching closely as the tournament progresses toward its climax.