The Moroccan national team has suffered a major blow just days before the start of its adventure at the 2026 World Cup, after two of its most important players, Ez Abde (Abdessamad Ezzalzouli) and Nayef Aguerd, were forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injuries.
FIFA has already approved their replacements on the official list of the “Atlas Lions”.
According to international media reports and FIFA confirmation, Marwane Saadane, the 34-year-old defender of Al Fateh, and Amine Sbai, the 25-year-old striker of Angers, have been invited to replace the two injured players.
Both players were already with the team in the United States and were part of the final preparations before the World Cup.
Aguerd’s absence is considered particularly serious for Morocco’s defensive unit.
The central defender has not played since March due to a hip problem, later complicated by a fracture in the pubic area, failing to recover in time for the tournament.
On the other hand, Ez Abde suffered a knee injury during the friendly match against Norway.
Initially there were hopes that he could remain on the list and recover during the group stage, but final medical examinations forced the technical staff to make the decision to replace him.
Both players had played key roles in Morocco’s recent successes, including a historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, as well as strong performances on the African stage.
Their absence comes at the most inopportune moment for the Moroccan team, which aims to repeat Qatar’s impressive performance.
Morocco will start their campaign in Group C with a tough match against Brazil, before playing against Scotland and Haiti.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi will now have to reorganize his tactical plans without two of the team’s most important weapons.
