2026 World Cup: huge blow for Morocco as Aguerd and Ezzalzouli are ruled out before Brazil clash
Morocco have lost two key men just days before they kick off. Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli will not be in the Atlas Lions squad for the 2026 World Cup. The changes were spotted on FIFA’s official platforms before the Moroccan federation had even said a word. They have been replaced in the group by Marwane Saadane, of Al Fateh, and Amine Sbai, of Angers. It is a double setback that could hardly have come at a worse time for Mohamed Ouahbi, who now has to reshuffle his defence before the opening match against Brazil on 14 June.
For Aguerd, it is a particularly brutal blow. The Olympique de Marseille centre-back had been playing through the pain all season before eventually undergoing surgery, then opting to continue his rehab in Morocco in the hope of making it to the tournament. Training images in recent hours had even sparked a bit of optimism on social media. But the injury that has kept him out since early March clearly has not healed enough for him to feature. The gamble has backfired.
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Ezzalzouli set to watch the World Cup from the sofa
Ezzalzouli’s situation is just as painful. The Real Betis winger went off injured with a knee problem in the last warm-up game against Norway. He was initially ruled out for a few weeks, and Morocco chose to keep him in the squad in the hope of getting him back after the group stage. That plan now looks dead in the water, and Ezzalzouli will be watching the Atlas Lions on TV.
The double blow leaves Morocco badly weakened for a defence that will be put under the microscope straight away, with Brazil up first on 14 June before a run of other tough games. On the other side, Brazil are also hoping Neymar makes it onto the pitch that day. Two sides short on firepower, then, for a match that is already looking like a soap opera before a ball has even been kicked.
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