Key Takeaways:
- Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli have been withdrawn from Morocco’s World Cup squad due to injury ahead of Saturday’s match against Brazil.
- Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai were named as replacements, with both having already been training with the squad in the United States
- The 2026 World Cup is set to begin today in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will include 48 teams playing across 16 stadiums
Injury Setbacks for Morocco
Morocco’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup suffered a significant setback, as the Moroccan Football Federation and FIFA confirmed the withdrawals of Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli from the squad due to injury. Both players were instrumental during Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the most recent World Cup in Qatar, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations final held in Morocco in January.
๐จ๐จ| BREAKING: Morocco suffer major loses as both Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli have been ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ of the World Cup due to injury. ๐ค๐ฒ๐ฆ
Replacements Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai have been called up. Morocco face Brazil in three days.
[@RMCsport] pic.twitter.com/WNoo1c655E
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 11, 2026
Details Behind Aguerd and Ezzalzouli’s Absences
Aguerd, aged 30, has not featured in competitive action since the beginning of March following a groin injury that necessitated surgery. Complications in his recovery emerged in April, when a fracture of his pubic bone was diagnosed, hampering his prospects of returning in time for this month’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahabi remained optimistic about Aguerd’s chances but ultimately decided on Thursday that the defender would not recover in time to participate.
Meanwhile, Ezzalzouli’s injury occurred in unfortunate circumstances during Morocco’s friendly against Norway in Harrison, New Jersey, last weekend. During a defensive set-piece, teammate Chadi Riad inadvertently landed on Ezzalzouli’s right knee. Despite attempting to play on, the 24-year-old could not continue and was forced to leave the pitch.
It is noteworthy that during the previous World Cup in Qatar, Aguerd also suffered an injury in the last-16 match against Spain, causing him to miss Morocco’s subsequent three fixtures in the tournament.
Saadane and Sbai Step In
Saudi-based defender Marwane Saadane and attacking winger Amine Sbai have been drafted in as replacements. Saadane, aged 34, made his Morocco debut in 2015 but has seen limited action for the national side since then. Sbai, who is 25 years old and primarily operates on the left wing, made his international debut earlier this month during a World Cup warm-up fixture against Burundi.
Both players had already travelled to the United States as potential cover and have been training alongside the squad. Saadane participated as a second-half substitute in Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Norway on Sunday, while Sbai was included on the bench.
World Cup Opener Awaits
Morocco are scheduled to begin their Group C campaign at the World Cup with a highly anticipated match against Brazil at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Saturday. Both Saadane and Sbai are available for selection after being integrated into the squad during the training period in the United States.
