Brazilian Rafinha, left, and Moroccan Noussair Mazraoui head toward the ball during a World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026. (AP Photo)
Morocco made FIFA World Cup history on Sunday by becoming the first team to field a starting lineup made up entirely of players born outside the country. The achievement came on a memorable night for the North African side, as they drew five-time world champions Brazil 1-1 in their opening Group C match at MetLife Stadium.The match also highlighted Morocco’s long-term approach to bringing together players from its global communities. All members of the starting lineup were born outside Morocco but chose to represent the country of their family roots.Goalkeeper Yacine Bounou was born in Montreal, Canada. Defenders Achraf Hakimi and Chadi Riyad were born in Madrid and Palma, Spain, while centre-back Issa Diop was born in Toulouse, France.
Full-back Noussair Mazraoui was born in Lederdorp, Netherlands.The midfield included Ayoub Bawadi, born in Senlis, France, along with Neil El Aynaoui, born in Nancy. Bilal Al-Khannous and Shams Al-Din Talbi were born in Molenbeek and Samberville, Belgium, respectively.Forward, attacking midfielder Ismail Sibari, born in Terrassa, Spain, and striker Samir Murabit, born in Strasbourg, France, complete the historic lineup.
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Morocco strengthened the record with a strong performance against one of the tournament favorites. They went on the attack and took the lead in the 21st minute when Saibari finished off a neat move after Brazil struggled to deal with early pressure.Brazil responded in the 32nd minute through Vinicius Junior, whose goal helped the two teams advance to the end of the first half in a 1-1 draw.The second half remained equal, with both teams creating chances.
Goalkeepers Bono and Alisson made a number of saves as neither team was able to find the winning goal despite combining for 27 shots during the match.The result confirmed the success of Morocco’s strategy in integrating players who developed through academy systems in countries such as France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands before choosing to represent Morocco at the international level.After the match, Moroccan national team coach Mohamed Wehbe expressed his confidence in the future of Moroccan football after the performance his team presented against Brazil.With this tie, Morocco and Brazil have one point each in Group Three. Morocco will next face Scotland, while Brazil will face Haiti.