The Moroccan national team faces two significant withdrawals just days before their World Cup 2026 debut. Nayef Aguerd and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli have not recovered in time and are officially removed from the list of the Atlas Lions.
The defender from Olympique de Marseille and the winger from Real Betis are replaced by Marwane Saâdane, a player from Al Fateh in Saudi Arabia, and Amine Sbaï, who plays for Angers. Both players were already with the Moroccan squad in the United States to anticipate a possible last-minute withdrawal.
This double absence is a serious blow for Mohamed Ouahbi. Nayef Aguerd was one of the key defensive players for the national team, while Abdessamad Ezzalzouli was among the offensive elements capable of providing impact, speed, and imbalance on the flanks. Injured against Norway in the last preparatory match, the Betis player had been uncertain for several days.
However, the national staff can immediately count on Saâdane and Sbaï. Already integrated into the group, the two reinforcements are available for Morocco’s first match against Brazil, scheduled for Saturday, June 13. A particularly challenging opener for the Atlas Lions, facing one of the tournament favorites.
In this context, the situation of Noussair Mazraoui is also being monitored. The Manchester United full-back had sustained a shoulder injury, but he is not expected to be removed from the list. Like other teams, Morocco can make injury changes up to 24 hours before their first match.
As the clash against Brazil approaches, these adjustments alter Mohamed Ouahbi’s plans, who will need to quickly integrate these changes into his setup. Despite these significant absences, the Atlas Lions must remain focused on their objective: to successfully enter this World Cup and defend their status on the international stage.
