Morocco Create FIFA World Cup History With Unique All-Foreign XI

The Achraf Hakimi-led Morocco team on Saturday, June 13, became the first side in FIFA World Cup history to field 11 footballers who weren’t born in the nation. It occurred in the 65th minute of their clash against Brazil, in their opening game of the marquee event.

A key factor behind Morocco’s rise has been its ability to recruit footballers of Moroccan heritage who were born and developed abroad. This blend has created a team that combines strong domestic talent with individuals shaped by elite European football systems.

That trend is also reflected in Morocco’s 26-man team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As a result, they are seen as strong contenders in Group C alongside Brazil, ahead of Scotland and Haiti.

Let us take a look at the Moroccan

players and their places of birth, who featured in their clash against Brazil on Saturday:

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou: born in Montreal, Canada

Noussair Mazraoui: Leiderdorp, The Netherlands

Issa Diop: Toulouse, France

Chadi Riad: Palma, Spain

Achraf Hakimi: Madrid, Spain

Neil El Aynaoui: Nancy, France

Ayyoub Bouaddi: Senlis, France

Chemsdine Talbi: Sambreville, Belgium

Bilal El Khannouss: Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Belgium

Samir El Mourabet: Strasbourg, France

Ismael Saibari: Terrassa, Spain

Saibari broke through in the 21st minute with a clever scoop to put Morocco ahead, but Vinicius produced a moment of brilliance to drag Brazil level and ensure the Group C opener ended in a draw.

Brazil are chasing a record sixth FIFA World Cup crown, 24 years after their last win, but this opening display suggests Carlo Ancelotti still has plenty of work ahead to shape a settled, dominant team.

Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Kaka were all members of Brazil’s 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team and were among those in attendance at MetLife Stadium.

Brazil have turned to the successful Ancelotti in a bid to end their long title drought, with the Italian becoming the first foreign coach to lead the country at football’s biggest tournament.