Morocco added a new historic note to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after starting their Brazil match with an entire XI of players born outside the country, according to international statistical reports.
The milestone came in a high-profile Group C opener at New York New Jersey Stadium, where Morocco held Brazil to a 1-1 draw after a disciplined and confident display.
Ismael Saibari put the Atlas Lions ahead in the 21st minute before Vinicius Junior equalised for Brazil in the 32nd minute, leaving both teams with one point from their opening match.
The record underlines the global reach of Moroccan talent, while also adding another chapter to the team’s story after their historic run to the semi-finals in 2022.
Morocco will now look to build on a performance that showed they can compete technically and physically with the strongest sides in the tournament.