Morocco have been forced into two late World Cup squad changes after injuries to Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli ahead of their opening match against Brazil.
Morocco have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing two key players to injury just days before their opening match against Brazil.
Defender Nayef Aguerd and winger Abde Ezzalzouli have both been ruled out of the tournament, forcing head coach Mohamed Ouahabi into late changes to his squad. The Moroccan Football Federation and FIFA confirmed that Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai have been called up as replacements.
Aguerd’s absence comes as a major blow for the Atlas Lions. The 30-year-old centre-back has not played since early March due to a groin injury that required surgery. His recovery suffered another setback in April when doctors discovered a fracture in his pubic bone.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: Morocco suffer major loses as both Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli have been 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓 of the World Cup due to injury. 🤕🇲🇦
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
Despite remaining hopeful that Aguerd could recover in time for the tournament, Ouahabi ultimately decided on Thursday that the defender would not be fit enough to participate in the competition across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ezzalzouli’s injury occurred in unfortunate circumstances during Morocco’s recent friendly against Norway in New Jersey. The winger was injured when teammate Chadi Riad landed awkwardly on his right knee while defending a corner kick.
Although Ezzalzouli initially attempted to continue playing, he was eventually forced to leave the field. The 24-year-old had been expected to play an important role for Morocco during the tournament after featuring prominently in recent years.
Both Aguerd and Ezzalzouli were members of the Morocco squad that made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They also helped the national team reach the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year on home soil.
Experienced defender Marwane Saadane and winger Amine Sbai will now step into the squad ahead of Morocco’s Group C opener against Brazil on Saturday. Both players have already been training with the team and will be hoping to help Morocco overcome these late setbacks as they begin another World Cup campaign.
