Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari has been recognised as one of the standout players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after earning a place among the tournament’s top 10 performers in FIFA’s newly introduced Performance Power Ranking.
The ranking, which evaluates players using match performance data and statistics, places the Atlas Lions star alongside some of the biggest names in world football following an impressive group-stage campaign that helped Morocco qualify for the Round of 32.
Saibari finished 10th in the overall rankings after receiving scores of 7.06 for attacking performance, 6.32 for creativity and playmaking, and 5.27 for defensive contribution.
His inclusion among the tournament’s highest-rated players highlights the growing influence of African football on the global stage, with the Moroccan international sharing a list that includes Germany’s Deniz Undav, Argentina captain Lionel Messi, France forwards Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior and Norway striker Erling Haaland.
The recognition follows a remarkable start to the tournament for the 23-year-old, whose performances have played a central role in Morocco’s unbeaten run through the group stage.
Saibari scored in each of Morocco’s three group matches, finding the net against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti as the Atlas Lions secured their place in the knockout rounds under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
Those goals also earned him a place in the history books.
By scoring in each of his opening three World Cup appearances, Saibari became the first Moroccan and the first African player to achieve the feat, underlining his importance to one of the continent’s strongest teams.
His impact has extended beyond goals.
Throughout the group stage, Saibari impressed with his intelligent movement between midfield and attack, his ability to create opportunities for teammates and his willingness to contribute defensively when Morocco were out of possession.
Those all-round displays were reflected in the performance ratings that secured his place among the tournament’s elite performers.
Morocco have enjoyed another encouraging World Cup campaign after reaching the semi-finals in Qatar four years earlier, and Saibari has emerged as one of the driving forces behind the team’s latest success.
His performances have strengthened Morocco’s midfield while also providing a consistent attacking threat, making him one of Africa’s most influential players at the tournament.
The recognition also reflects the rapid development of a player who has become increasingly important for both club and country in recent seasons.
For Morocco, Saibari’s form has provided another indication that the current generation remains capable of competing with the world’s leading football nations.
As the Atlas Lions prepare for the knockout phase, they will hope their in-form midfielder can continue producing the displays that have earned him global recognition.
FIFA introduced the Performance Power Ranking specifically for the 2026 World Cup to provide a more detailed assessment of individual displays during the tournament.
The system rates outfield players on a scale of zero to 10 across three key categories: attacking performance, creativity and playmaking, and defensive contribution. Scores are updated after every match based on player performance data and statistics.
Saibari’s top-10 ranking under the new system is further evidence of the influence he has had on Morocco’s campaign and reinforces his status as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
