World Cup 2026: Chemsdine Talbi enters Morocco's history books

04.07.26 FT World Cup

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While Issa Diop was the chief architect of Morocco's win against the Netherlands (1-1, 3-2 on penalties), his teammate Chemsdine Talbi played a pivotal role in this achievement with a crucial assist for the former French youth international.

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Coming off the bench in the second half, Chemsdine Talbi delivered the decisive pass for Morocco’s equalizer in stoppage time. The Atlas Lions then held their nerve in the penalty shootout to secure a place in the Round of 16 at the World Cup.

At just 21 years and one month old, the Sunderland winger set a new record, becoming the youngest player ever to register an assist for Morocco in World Cup history.

“A childhood dream, a victory for all Moroccans,” he declared after clinching qualification in dramatic fashion.

The match against the Netherlands marked Talbi’s eighth cap, having made his debut on September 5, 2025, in a 5-0 World Cup qualifier win over Niger under coach Walid Regragui.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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