Morocco goalkeeper Munir El Kajoui has opted for shoulder surgery after suffering an injury during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a decision that places him in a race against time as he looks to remain in contention for the 2026 World Cup.
The 36-year-old, who finished runner-up with the Atlas Lions at the continental tournament, sustained a dislocated shoulder shortly before the AFCON final against Senegal.
The injury has forced the RS Berkane captain to prioritise long-term recovery over short-term availability, with surgery now scheduled in Spain.
In a statement released by RS Berkane, the club confirmed that El Kajoui suffered the injury 48 hours before the final. It was described as a recurrence of a previous shoulder problem, following a similar issue picked up during a Morocco training camp in September.
After medical consultations and considering the risk of repeated dislocations, the goalkeeper chose to undergo shoulder stabilisation surgery.
The procedure will be carried out under the supervision of a specialist in Spain, with an estimated rehabilitation period of around three months.
The decision significantly shapes El Kajoui’s immediate future. His return to competitive football is expected between late April and early May, leaving limited time to regain full match fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which begins on 11 June.
While the timetable is tight, it remains feasible, and the veteran remains determined to stay in the national team picture.
Currently serving as the backup to first-choice goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, El Kajoui is aiming to secure a place at what would be his third World Cup, having previously featured in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.
With 50 international caps to his name, he remains one of the most experienced figures in the Moroccan squad.
Despite the disappointment of losing the AFCON final, El Kajoui has publicly expressed pride in Morocco’s campaign.
Writing on Instagram, he praised the team’s collective performance, describing the tournament as one of the nation’s strongest Africa Cup of Nations outings in terms of quality of play and unity.
As his recovery begins, El Kajoui’s focus will be on returning to full fitness while keeping alive his ambition of one final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
