World Cup 2026: Morocco loses two starters before debut against Brazil

Opponents in Brazil's World Cup debut, Morocco suffered a severe blow with the loss of two starters to injury, with Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli being replaced in the squad for the World Cup.

To replace the pair, defender Marwane Saadane, who plays in Saudi Arabia, and striker Amine Sbai were included on the list, as reported by the Moroccan federation and FIFA.

Aguerd, 30, has not played since the beginning of March due to a groin injury, which required surgery. His recovery stalled in April when it was discovered he had a fractured pubic bone.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahabi remained hopeful that Aguerd would recover in time, but decided he would not be ready for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Ezzalzouli, 24, was injured in a bizarre play during last weekend's friendly against Norway, in New Jersey.

As Morocco saved a corner, teammate Chadi Riad fell awkwardly onto Ezzalzouli's right knee. The Betis player tried to continue playing, but soon had to be replaced.

Both Aguerd and Ezzalzouli were part of the Moroccan team that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and also the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco at the beginning of the year.

Aguerd, however, was also injured in the last World Cup, in the round of 16 against Spain, and missed the team's next three games in the tournament.

The substitutes
Saadane, 34, debuted for the Moroccan national team in 2015 but has been a sporadic member of the squad since then, while Sbai, 25, who plays mainly on the left wing, earned his first call-up earlier this month in a World Cup warm-up friendly against Burundi.

Both Saadane and Sbai were taken to the United States as reserves and have been training with the national team. Saadane came on in the second half of the 1-1 draw with the Norwegians, while Sbai was listed on the bench.

The duel between Brazil and Morocco opens Group C of the World Cup next Saturday (13) at the New Jersey Stadium.

See the ranking of the most valuable squads of the World Cup

Source: CNN