Achraf Hakimi praised Morocco’s performance after their 1-1 World Cup draw with Brazil, while Ismael Saibari insisted the Atlas Lions deserved more from the contest.
Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi expressed pride in his team’s performance after the Atlas Lions held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.
A thrilling draw. 🤩#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2026
The Group C encounter saw the African side produce another impressive display against one of the tournament favourites.
The clash brought together two nations with strong recent World Cup pedigrees. Brazil entered the tournament as five-time world champions, while Morocco arrived with growing confidence after becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar four years ago.
Morocco struck first through Ismael Saibari, who finished brilliantly after connecting with a defence-splitting delivery from Brahim Diaz. Brazil responded before the end of the contest when Vinicius Junior curled home a superb equaliser to ensure the points were shared.
Decisive moments 🎯#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/1wSCWkNuPc
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2026
Speaking after the game, Hakimi admitted the challenge of facing Brazil but praised Morocco’s courage and competitiveness throughout the encounter. The Paris Saint-Germain star felt his side showed they could compete with any team on the world stage.
“The match was not easy at all. We went toe-to-toe against an opponent that is exceptionally strong and one of the favourites to win the tournament,” Hakimi said. “Although it ended in a draw, we are happy with the level we showed on the pitch.”
The Morocco captain also stressed the importance of building on the result as the tournament progresses. He urged his teammates to learn from their mistakes and continue improving ahead of their remaining group-stage fixtures.
Midfielder Samir El Mourabet echoed those sentiments, describing the draw as a positive result while admitting there was still room for improvement.
The midfielder revealed the emotional significance of representing his country at the World Cup but insisted the focus remains on achieving success on the pitch.
Goalscorer Ismael Saibari, however, was less satisfied with the outcome. The PSV star believed Morocco had done enough to earn all three points and said the team’s mentality is to win every match regardless of the opposition.
Saibari. 🫡🇲🇦#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/mWMXiUAim6
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 13, 2026
Reflecting on his goal, Saibari was delighted to score in his World Cup debut but admitted victory would have made the moment even sweeter.
Morocco controlled large periods of the second half and created several opportunities to take the lead again, earning praise from Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian admitted his side struggled under Morocco’s pressure and acknowledged the quality of the African champions.
Morocco will now turn their attention to their next Group C fixture against Scotland on June 19 before concluding the group stage against Haiti on June 24.
