World Cup 2026: Morocco dismiss Youssef En-Nesyri replacement rumours after Ezzalzouli injury

Morocco have moved to dismiss speculation that Youssef En-Nesyri could be called up to replace injured winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Reports circulating in recent hours suggested that Atlas Lions coach Mohamed Ouahbi was considering turning to the experienced striker after Ezzalzouli suffered an injury during Morocco’s friendly match against Norway. However, a source close to the situation has rejected those claims.

According to information provided to Le Site Info, suggestions that En-Nesyri could be drafted into the squad are unfounded. The source described the reports as completely inaccurate and indicated that the striker is not under consideration as a replacement option.

The explanation centres on FIFA squad regulations and Morocco’s pre-tournament planning. The source stated that En-Nesyri was not included in the extended preliminary list submitted before the World Cup. As a result, he would not be eligible to replace an injured player at this stage of the competition preparations.

Instead, attention is reportedly focused on players who were already part of the larger provisional group assembled before the tournament.

Among those names are Moroccan internationals Sofiane Boufal and Othmane Maamma, both of whom are understood to be among the strongest candidates to join the squad should a replacement be required.

The potential selection process also appears to be guided by tactical considerations. Rather than replacing Ezzalzouli with a centre-forward, the coaching staff are said to prefer bringing in a player who operates in a similar role on the left side of attack.

That approach would maintain balance within the squad and provide a more direct alternative to the injured winger. As a result, Boufal and Maamma are currently viewed as the most realistic options available to the national team.

Ezzalzouli’s injury has created concern among Moroccan supporters at a crucial stage of preparations, with the Atlas Lions nearing the start of their World Cup campaign.

However, despite widespread discussion surrounding possible replacements, the latest information suggests that En-Nesyri will not be part of any changes to the squad.

For now, Morocco’s technical staff continue to assess their options while remaining focused on selecting a replacement from the pool of players already identified before the tournament.

Unless circumstances change, Boufal and Maamma appear to be the leading contenders to fill the vacancy left by Ezzalzouli.