Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been hit by a major setback just days before the team’s highly anticipated opening match against Brazil. Two key members of the Atlas Lions squad, defender Nayef Aguerd and winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, have been ruled out of the tournament and replaced by reserve players following fitness concerns.
The changes became evident after the names of Aguerd and Ezzalzouli disappeared from FIFA’s official tournament registration platform. Taking their places in Morocco’s final squad are defender Marwane Saâdane, who plays for Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia, and Angers forward Amine Sbaï. While the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has yet to issue an official statement, the squad update confirms the two withdrawals.
Ezzalzouli’s absence had been expected following an injury sustained during Morocco’s recent friendly match against Norway. The Real Betis winger was forced off the pitch early in the game after suffering a knee problem. Medical assessments later revealed a moderate ligament sprain that requires several weeks of recovery, effectively ending his hopes of featuring during the group stage of the World Cup.
Aguerd’s situation is even more frustrating for both the player and the national team. The central defender underwent surgery several weeks before the tournament to treat a persistent groin injury that had sidelined him for an extended period. Despite concerns over his fitness, Morocco’s coaching staff maintained faith in his recovery and included him in the final World Cup roster announced at the end of May.
Recent signs had appeared encouraging, with Aguerd returning to collective training sessions. However, after further evaluations, the medical team concluded that he would not be physically ready to compete at the level required for a World Cup campaign. His withdrawal is a significant loss for Morocco, given the leadership and defensive stability he provided during the country’s historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
For Saâdane and Sbaï, the late call-up represents a remarkable opportunity. Originally listed among the reserve players, both men now find themselves part of Morocco’s official 26-man squad heading into one of the biggest tournaments in world football. Their promotion reflects the depth of talent available to the national team, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
The Atlas Lions now shift their focus toward the task ahead. Morocco opens its World Cup campaign against Brazil at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before facing Scotland and Haiti in Group C. While the squad will be missing two important figures, expectations remain high following the team’s recent success on the international stage.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, Morocco enters the tournament determined to prove that its ambitions extend far beyond simply participating. The challenge has become more difficult, but the objective remains unchanged: to write another memorable chapter in the history of Moroccan football.
