Ismael Saibari
BayernCF (AM)
Playmaking Forward
Jan 28, 2001 (25)
Right
6'1"
183 lb
Out for quarterfinal
Saibari (hamstring) is out for Thursday's quarterfinal match against France, according to manager Mohamed Ouahbi, per Ed Dove of ESPN . "Everyone's available, except Saibari, with the match coming too early for him, although he's not out for the rest of the tournament, I hope."
Analysis: Saibari will have to sit out the quarterfinal after suffering an injury in Morocco's round of 16 contest, as the attacker is dealing with a hamstring injury. The good news for the attacker is that he is not yet ruled out for the tournament, as a return could come if Morocco makes it past France. Morocco will likely lean on Soufiane Rahimi to start in his place at forward, needing a big match from the backup forward and other Moroccan attackers to make it past this mighty French squad.
Hopeful for France clash
Saibari (hamstring) is expected to remain in contention for Morocco's World Cup quarterfinal against France after medical tests revealed only a minor muscle issue, according to FC Update NL.
Analysis: Saibari was forced off after just 22 minutes during Morocco's Round of 16 victory over Canada, initially raising fears of a more serious hamstring injury. However, subsequent examinations showed the problem to be less severe than first feared, with the Bayern Munich midfielder now following a tailored recovery program under the supervision of Morocco's medical staff. While the team is taking a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, optimism is growing regarding his availability for the quarterfinal. Saibari has been one of Morocco's standout performers at the tournament, scoring three goals in five appearances and converting a penalty in the shootout win over the Netherlands.
Set for MRI
Saibari (hamstring) is set for an MRI on Monday to decide his remaining participation in the World Cup, according to Mountakhab Foot.
Analysis: Saibari would have to exit the field for Morocco on Saturday as the country and supporters hold their breath, not wanting to lose their leading scorer for the remainder of the tournament. He is set for an MRI to get further diagnosis on his injury, as anything more than a slight strain of his hamstring would likely end his tournament. That said, there is a chance he is sidelined for the rest of the World Cup, leaving Soufiane Rahimi as a possible replacement.
Exits early with hamstring injury
Saibari was forced off in the 22nd minute of Morocco's World Cup round-of-16 clash against Canada on Saturday due to a hamstring injury.
Analysis: Saibari was forced off in the 22nd minute of Morocco's round of 16 clash with Canada with an apparent hamstring injury. He had been one of the most in form players of the tournament, entering the match as Morocco's top scorer with three goals, including the winning penalty in the shootout win over the Netherlands. Soufiane Rahimi came on to replace him up front. Losing Saibari would be a significant blow for Morocco if they advance, given the role he has played in their run so far.
Signs long-term deal with Bayern
Saibari has signed a contract with Bayern Munich through June 2031, the club announced.
Analysis: Saibari was born in Terrassa, Spain, and began his development at Anderlecht's youth academy before moving through KRC Genk's under-19s and joining PSV in the summer of 2020. He became one of the most decorated players in Dutch football, scoring 42 goals and providing 29 assists for PSV while winning the Eredivisie title and Super Cup three times each and the Dutch Cup twice, and was named Dutch Footballer of the Year this season. Through his Moroccan roots he has represented Morocco internationally since 2023, earning 34 caps and scoring 12 goals for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations winners. At this World Cup he has been decisive, netting in the 1-1 draw against Brazil, the 1-0 win over Scotland and the 4-2 victory against Haiti before converting the decisive penalty in the shootout against the Netherlands in the round of 32.
Scores winning penalty in shootout
Saibari recorded no stats in Monday's 1-1 (4-3) penalty shootout victory versus Netherlands.
Analysis: Saibari scored the final penalty of the shootout, which saw Morocco progress past the Netherlands and book themselves a place in the round of 16, where they will face Canada. The winger has started each game of the World Cup and scored a goal in each group stage game. In the first half, Achraf Hakimi played what seemed like a perfect ball for the attacker, but the bounce took it over his thigh and the chance went amiss. This was the first game of the tournament that he has played the full game, but also the first where he created two chances.
Finds back of net
Saibari scored one goal to go with five shots (one on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-2 victory over Haiti.
Analysis: Saibari recorded the second goal of the match for Morocco on Wednesday after they found themselves in an early hole, scoring in stoppage time of the first half off a Achraf Hakimi assist. This continues Saibari's outstanding World Cup, with the attacker now having a goal in all three group stage contests. That said, through three games, he has 10 shots, scoring on 30 percent of his attempts.
Score again versus Scotland
Saibari recorded one goal on two shots (one on target) in Friday's 1-0 win over Scotland.
Analysis: Saibari recorded some history Friday when he gave Morocco the lead, scoring in the second minute to be the first player to score in consecutive games in their two first-ever World Cup appearances. This comes after he also netted a goal against Brazil, the main reason Morocco has four points. He is now with five shots through two games and should maintain a starting role when facing Haiti in their group stage finale.
Scores beautiful goal Saturday
Saibari scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brazil.
Analysis: Saibari took advantage of a perfect through ball from Brahim Diaz to break the deadlock for Morocco with a chipped shot. The PSV Eindhoven forward scored three goals in seven Champions League appearances with the Dutch club in the 2025/26 season, and it wouldn't be surprising if he continues to lead the line against Scotland on June 19.
Set for big role with Morocco
Saibari should play a big role as one of Morocco's main playmaking threats in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Analysis: Saibari is widely expected to play a big role as one of Morocco's primary creative threats alongside Brahim Diaz. The talented playmaker is coming off an excellent season with PSV Eindhoven in 2025/26, notching 18 goals and eight assists across 34 appearances between the Eredivisie and the UEFA Champions League.
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