The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially announced that defenders Nayef Aguerd and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to injuries. The federation confirmed their replacements on June 11, 2026, one day before Morocco's opening match.
Aguerd, a key center-back for West Ham United, and Ezzalzouli, a winger for Real Betis, were both ruled out after failing to recover in time. The FRMF named Youssef Sbaï and Ayoub Saâdane as their replacements. Sbaï, a defender from Wydad Casablanca, and Saâdane, a midfielder from Raja Casablanca, have joined the squad in training.
Morocco, who made history by reaching the semifinals in 2022, will begin their 2026 campaign against Croatia on June 12. The team is aiming to build on their previous success under coach Walid Regragui.
