Morocco Adjusts FIFA World Cup Squad Following Injuries to Key Players

Morocco has made crucial adjustments to its FIFA World Cup squad, with Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli sidelined due to injuries. In their absence, Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai have been called up. Aguerd's injury woes began in March, while Ezzalzouli suffered a knee injury during a friendly match. Both players were key to Morocco's previous successes, including their semi-final run in the last World Cup. The team is set to face Brazil in their opening match this Saturday. Read on for the full squad details and more.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 02:05 IST

Morocco's FIFA World Cup Squad Changes

Rabat (Morocco) - On June 11, the Moroccan Football Federation announced significant changes to their FIFA World Cup roster, confirming that Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli will not participate due to injuries.

In their place, Saudi Arabia-based defender Marwane Saadane and winger Amine Sbai have been called up. Aguerd has been out of action since early March due to a groin injury that required surgery, and his recovery was further complicated by a pubic bone fracture discovered in April, as reported by various sources.

Coach Mohamed Ouahabi had hoped to see Aguerd return but confirmed on Thursday that he will miss the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Ezzalzouli, aged 24, sustained a knee injury during a friendly match against Norway in Harrison, New Jersey, when teammate Chadi Riad landed awkwardly on his leg, forcing him to leave the game after an attempt to continue.

Both players were instrumental in Morocco's impressive semi-final journey at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and their run to the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year.

Aguerd had also been absent from Morocco's last three matches in Qatar due to injury. Saadane, 34, made his debut for the national team in 2015 and has been a sporadic member of the squad, while 25-year-old Sbai earned his first cap in a recent World Cup warm-up against Burundi.

Both Saadane and Sbai have been training with the team in the U.S., with Saadane appearing as a substitute in the recent 1-1 draw against Norway. Morocco is set to kick off their Group C campaign against Brazil at the New York/New Jersey Stadium this Saturday.

Updated FIFA World Cup squad for Morocco:

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.