Saibari shines as Morocco gears up for World Cup
Casablanca, dinsdag, 2 juni 2026.
Ismael Saibari scored twice in Morocco’s 4-0 win over Madagascar. The PSV midfielder opened the scoring early with a header before adding a second goal. His performance strengthens his place in the starting lineup ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Saibari is attracting interest from Bayern Munich, making his form crucial. Coach Walid Regragui used the match in Casablanca to test his core team. Ten minutes before halftime, Morocco took full control. Substitutes Rahimi and El Kaabi added late goals. Madagascar finished with ten men after a red card. The victory sets Morocco on a strong path toward their opening World Cup clash against Brazil.
saibari’s double strike lifts morocco
Ismael Saibari scored two goals in Morocco’s 4-0 victory over Madagascar during a warm-up match for the 2026 World Cup [1]. He opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a header following a corner kick [2]. His second goal came in the 25th minute after a defensive error by Madagascar [2]. The PSV Eindhoven midfielder’s performance strengthened his position in coach Walid Regragui’s plans [1]. Saibari has drawn interest from Bayern Munich, increasing scrutiny on his international displays [2].
match dynamics and substitutions
Morocco dominated possession from the start and doubled their lead through Saibari’s second goal [2]. The home side maintained pressure throughout the first half despite failing to convert further chances [2]. At halftime, manager Mohamed Ouahbi replaced all eleven starters, shifting focus to squad depth evaluation [2]. Substitute attackers Soufiane Rahimi and Ayoub El Kaabi both scored in the closing stages [2]. Madagascar played the final period with ten men after El Hadary Raheriniaina received a red card [2].
world cup preparation continues
This oefenduel formed part of Morocco’s broader preparation strategy ahead of their opening 2026 World Cup fixture against Brazil on June 14 [2]. Prior to facing Brazil, Morocco is scheduled to play Norway on June 7 in the United States [2]. The decision to field an entirely new lineup after halftime emphasized experimental flexibility [2]. Team management aims to finalize selections based on performances across these friendlies [2]. Upcoming fixtures serve as critical benchmarks for tactical cohesion and fitness levels prior to tournament kickoff [2].