Morocco sets unique World Cup record after drawing with Brazil

Morocco achieved a unique historical milestone at the 2026 World Cup during their 1-1 draw against Brazil. For 24 minutes, the North African team fielded a lineup where all 11 players were born outside of Morocco.

The significant lineup change occurred in the 65th minute when coach Mohamed Ouahbi substituted midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, the only player in the current squad born in Morocco, for Samir El Mourabet. This substitution made Morocco the first team in World Cup history to compete with an entire squad born abroad.

The exceptional squad included players born in various countries: four in France, three in Spain, two in Belgium, one in the Netherlands, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was born in Canada. Another player born domestically, Soufiane Rahimi, was later introduced towards the end of the match.

Beyond this unprecedented personnel record, the draw itself was a notable achievement for African football. It was the first time Brazil had been unable to secure a victory against an African opponent in the World Cup. In their previous eight encounters with African teams, Brazil had won seven times, with their only prior loss being to Cameroon in 2022 when Brazil had already secured advancement and fielded a reserve team.