Morocco have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli suffered a knee ligament injury that is expected to keep him out of at least the opening phase of the tournament.
The injury occurred during Morocco’s final warm-up match against Norway, where the 22-year-old was forced off before half-time after picking up a knock.
The setback comes just days before the Atlas Lions begin their Group C campaign against Brazil in one of the most anticipated opening matches involving an African side.
Initial assessments have indicated that Ezzalzouli sustained a moderate knee ligament sprain. While the Moroccan medical team continues to monitor his condition and await further scans, the injury has already created uncertainty around his immediate availability.
The timing could hardly be worse for Morocco.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi had been putting the finishing touches on his tactical plans for the tournament, with Ezzalzouli expected to play an important role in a side aiming to make another strong impression on the world stage.
Morocco enter the World Cup carrying the expectations of a nation still inspired by recent international successes.
The North Africans have been drawn into a challenging Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, with matches scheduled across the United States.
Their campaign begins on 13 June against Brazil at the New York/New Jersey Stadium before meetings with Scotland in Boston on 19 June and Haiti in Atlanta on 24 June.
Ezzalzouli’s absence now leaves Ouahbi with important decisions to make before the tournament gets underway.
Several alternatives are available to the Moroccan coach as he considers how best to reshape his attacking plans.
Among the options are Soufiane Rahimi, Ismaël Saibari, Chemsdine Talbi, Amine Sbaï, Gessime Yassine and even midfielder Azzedine Ounahi. The coaching staff are expected to use the final training sessions before the Brazil match to determine who will step into the role.
The injury is particularly frustrating given that it came during Morocco’s final preparation fixture, a match intended to fine-tune the squad ahead of the competition.
Instead, it has forced the coaching staff into an unexpected rethink at a crucial stage of their planning.
For African football followers, the development will be closely watched.
Morocco are regarded as one of the continent’s leading hopes at the tournament and were expected to rely on Ezzalzouli’s pace, creativity and attacking threat against some of the world’s strongest teams.
