The preparations of Morocco for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a significant setback after two key members of the squad were ruled out through injury just 48 hours before the Atlas Lions face Brazil.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi now faces a major challenge as Morocco prepares for one of the biggest matches of the group stage without Nayef Aguerd and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, while concerns also remain over the fitness of Noussair Mazraoui.
The injuries have forced a late reshuffle of the squad and come at a particularly difficult time for a side hoping to build on the success of its historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup.
Aguerd and Ezzalzouli had both been expected to play important roles during the tournament. However, their hopes of featuring in Morocco’s campaign have ended before the team has even kicked a ball in competitive action.
Aguerd has been struggling with thigh and groin problems since the beginning of March. Despite being included in the squad amid hopes he could recover in time, the defender was unable to reach the required fitness levels ahead of the tournament.
His absence is a major loss for Morocco’s defence.
The Marseille player was regarded as one of the leaders of the back line and played a significant role during the country’s memorable World Cup campaign in Qatar four years ago.
Ezzalzouli’s injury was sustained during Morocco’s friendly match against Norway. The winger injured his right knee after a fall involving teammate Chadi Riad. Initial hopes that the injury would not be serious proved misplaced, and the Real Betis player has now been ruled out of the competition.
For Morocco, the loss of Ezzalzouli is particularly significant given his attacking qualities and ability to influence matches in the final third.
The departures have opened the door for two replacement players. Al-Fateh defender Mrouan Saadan has been called up to replace Aguerd, while Amine Sbaai takes Ezzalzouli’s place in the squad.
Sbaai’s inclusion is especially notable. The 25-year-old has only one international appearance and now finds himself preparing for football’s biggest tournament with little time to integrate into the squad.
The uncertainty surrounding Mazraoui has further complicated preparations. The versatile defender suffered a shoulder injury during the same friendly against Norway and remains a doubt for the clash against Brazil.
Reports suggest there are encouraging signs regarding his recovery, but no official confirmation has been given on whether he will be available to start.
Should Mazraoui fail to recover in time, Morocco would lose another experienced player capable of operating in multiple positions, further stretching a squad already forced into emergency changes.
The timing of the injuries could hardly be worse. Morocco face Brazil in New York on June 14 in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round of matches.
Instead of approaching the game with a fully fit squad, Ouahbi must now rely on the depth of his team and the collective resilience that has become a hallmark of the Atlas Lions in recent years.
For Morocco, the World Cup has already presented its first major challenge before the opening whistle has even been blown. How the Atlas Lions respond to these setbacks could play a decisive role in shaping their tournament.
