Morocco Adjusts FIFA World Cup Squad Following Injuries to Key Players

Morocco's FIFA World Cup squad has undergone significant changes due to injuries to key players Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli. The Moroccan Football Federation has called up Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai as replacements. Aguerd's recovery from a groin injury has been complicated by a pubic bone fracture, while Ezzalzouli suffered a knee injury during a friendly match. Both players were instrumental in Morocco's recent successes, including their semi-final run in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The team is set to face Brazil in their opening match of the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 11, 2026, 16:44 IST

Changes in the Moroccan Squad

The Moroccan Football Federation, along with FIFA, announced on Thursday that Morocco has made two adjustments to their FIFA World Cup roster. This comes after injuries sidelined crucial players Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli. In their place, Saudi Arabia-based defender Marwane Saadane and winger Amine Sbai have been called up.

Injury Challenges for Key Players

Nayef Aguerd has been out of action since early March due to a groin injury that necessitated surgery. His recovery faced further complications when a pubic bone fracture was identified in April. Coach Mohamed Ouahabi had hoped for his return, but it was confirmed on Thursday that Aguerd will not participate in the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Abde Ezzalzouli, aged 24, sustained a knee injury during a friendly match against Norway in Harrison, New Jersey, when teammate Chadi Riad fell awkwardly on his leg. Ezzalzouli had to leave the game after attempting to continue.

Impact of Injuries on the Team

Both Aguerd and Ezzalzouli played significant roles in Morocco's impressive semi-final journey during the 2022 Qatar World Cup and reached the Africa Cup of Nations final in January. Aguerd had also missed Morocco's last three matches in Qatar due to injury.

Introducing New Players

Marwane Saadane, 34, made his debut for the national team in 2015 and has been a sporadic member of the squad since then. Meanwhile, 25-year-old Amine Sbai received his first cap earlier this month during a World Cup warm-up match against Burundi. Both players have been training with the team in the U.S., with Saadane appearing as a substitute in the recent 1-1 draw against Norway.

Upcoming Matches

Morocco is set to kick off their Group C campaign against Brazil at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Saturday.

Morocco's Updated FIFA World Cup Roster

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, Reda Tagnaouti.

Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Anass Salah-Eddine, Youssef Belammari, Achraf Hakimi, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Marwane Saadane, Chadi Riad, Redouane Halhal, Issa Diop.

Midfielders: Samir El Mourabet, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari.

Forwards: Amine Sbai, Chemsdine Talbi, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Brahim Diaz, Gessime Yassine, Ayoube Amaimouni.