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Rabat – Morocco’s strong start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has not only put the Atlas Lions on the brink of the knockout stage but also seen them continue to break records and set new standards on the global stage.
After drawing 1-1 with Brazil and defeating Scotland, Mohamed Ouahbi’s men have collected four points from their opening two matches and have already become the first Moroccan team to avoid defeat in its first two games at two consecutive World Cups, following their historic run to the semifinals in Qatar four years ago.
The Atlas Lions also became the first African nation to reach the semifinals in 2022 and are now looking to build on that legacy with another deep run in North America.
The performances of Morocco’s stars have played a key role in this promising campaign, with several players topping important statistical categories after the opening two matches.
According to statistics from Almountakhab, captain Achraf Hakimi has once again emerged as one of the team’s driving forces. Despite playing as a right-back, the Paris Saint-Germain star leads Morocco in completed passes with 144, crosses with 10, and shots on target with five, highlighting his importance in both defense and attack.
Ismael Saibari has been Morocco’s leading scorer with two goals and has also recorded the highest number of sprints (145) and defensive pressures (107), underlining his impact on both ends of the pitch.
Brahim Diaz has provided two assists, making him the team’s top creator, while midfielder Neil El Aynaoui has covered the greatest distance, running 24.07 kilometers across the matches against Brazil and Scotland.
Elsewhere, Issa Diop has recorded the highest number of line-breaking attempts with 53, while Azzedine Ounahi has offered the most passing options to teammates, with 130 movements creating solutions in possession.
Morocco players’ key statistics after two matches
- Top scorer: Ismael Saibari (2 goals)
- Most passes: Achraf Hakimi (144)
- Most crosses: Achraf Hakimi (10)
- Most shots on target: Achraf Hakimi (5)
- Most assists: Brahim Diaz (2)
- Greatest distance covered: Neil El Aynaoui (24.07 km)
- Most sprints: Ismael Saibari (145)
- Most line-breaking attempts: Issa Diop (53)
- Most passing options offered: Azzedine Ounahi (130)
- Most defensive pressures: Ismael Saibari (107)
The Atlas Lions have continued breaking records during this tournament, becoming the first African team to avoid defeat in five consecutive World Cup matches and extending the momentum that began in Qatar in 2022. The current squad is also chasing another major achievement, reaching the knockout stage in back-to-back World Cups for the first time in the country’s history.
