World Cup 2026 : a blow for Morocco as Ismael Saibari is ruled out against France
Morocco will have to face France without their top scorer at this World Cup. Hurt in the thigh during the last-16 clash with Canada, Ismael Saibari will not recover in time for Thursday’s quarter-final, which kicks off at 22:00. It is a serious miss for the Atlas Lions, who lose their first-choice striker at the worst possible moment.
Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed the news on Wednesday night in a press conference. The Morocco coach still hopes to get his player back later in the tournament, if they go through, but the meeting with Les Bleus has come too soon. Saibari remains in the treatment room, just days after going off before half-time against Canada.
Three goals and a central role in Morocco’s attack
Installed at the tip of the attack from the start of the tournament, Ismael Saibari had become a key figure in Morocco’s run. With three goals against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, he is the Atlas Lions’ leading scorer at this World Cup.
His absence now forces Mohamed Ouahbi to rethink his plans if Morocco are to take down France. Soufiane Rahimi looks the likeliest candidate to start up front. He replaced Saibari in the win over Canada, and the 30-year-old striker has already scored twice in the competition.
The profile is different. Rahimi offers more with his runs, his movement and his pressing. His finishing is also a threat France’s defence will need to watch. Morocco lose an important piece, but not all their firepower, as they prepare to meet Les Bleus again.
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Chadi Riad should be fit to play
The news is better regarding Chadi Riad. He also picked up a knock against Canada, but the centre-back should be available on Thursday night. That would be a big boost for a Morocco side that has built its tournament on discipline and collective defending.
The Atlas Lions will also need to keep their heads. Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi, Sofiane Diop, Bilal El Khannouss and Abdelhamid Halhal are all one booking away from suspension. Another yellow card would rule them out of the next match if Morocco qualify.
Four years after the Qatar semi-final, France and Morocco are set to meet again with a place in the last four on the line. This time, the Atlas Lions will be looking for revenge without Ismael Saibari.
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