Maverick Morocco reignite Arab and African hopes with victory over Scotland at WC

When Ismael Saibari fired Morocco ahead in the second minute of the match against Scotland, not only did he give his team a lead but also a hope to the entire Arab world of leading its charge deep into the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The victory has erased all the doubts, if any, that Morocco's run-up to the semi-finals in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar was a fluke. It remains the best performance of any Arab and African team by far in any edition of a FIFA World Cup.

With the victory in the second game and draw in their opening match against the mighty Brazil, Morocco are tied on points with the leaders Brazil. However, Brazil have moved to the top of the standings in their group due to the goal difference.

Morocco have not only kept their playoff hopes alive but also gave reason to smile to the whole Arab World and the African countries.

They have made their intentions clear that they are not the perennial makeweights at the football extravaganza. They are a force to reckon with and ready to lead the Arab charge at the world stage in football.

All the Arab countries had launched their campaign on a positive note as all of them went on to hold their much-fancied and higher-ranked opponents in the preliminary round matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Most of them went into their respective matches as underdogs but came out with flying colours and their heads held high. The story began with Qatar, ranked 56 in the world, earning their first-ever point in the showpiece event by snatching a draw against 19th ranked Switzerland.

Achraf Hakimi and players of Morocco celebrate the team's 1-0 victory. AFP

Qatar, when hosting the football extravaganza in 2022, failed to procure any point and their campaign ended in the first round at the home turf.

Qatar captain Boualem Khoukhi guided Homam Ahmed's cross after 94 minutes to cancel the lead taken by Switzerland early on. Qatar set the tone for the Arabs and the rest of them followed the suit.

Morocco lived up to their billing of sitting on seventh spot by holding the favourites Brazil, who are one better in the FIFA rankings at number six.

Morocco gave Brazil a scare. They took the lead as early as in the 11th minute through Saibari. Vinicius had to dig deep to salvage a draw and the pride of Brazil with a late equalizer.

By scoring two goals in the first two matches, Saibari also became the only the second Arab player after Mohammad Salah of Egypt to achieve the feat at the showpiece event.

Despite a stupendous start by Arab countries at the World Cup, Algeria, Iraq and Tunisia’s losses in their respective opening games pushed the Arab challenge on the back foot briefly.

Morocco held their nerve in a key clash against Scotland and boosted their hopes of qualifying for the second round. 

The best part is that they will face Haiti in their last group match while Scotland -- who are still in contention courtesy their victory over eliminated Haiti -- meet Brazil, who moved to the top of the group on the goal difference after their thrashing of Haiti in their second game. The fate of the group will be sealed on June 25.

Till then, Arabs and African countries can rejoice and relish Morocco’s progress and draw inspiration to do better and make the best use of the chance in the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup.