World Cup 2026: Morocco star Mazraoui racing against time to be fit for Brazil opener

Morocco international Noussair Mazraoui is in a race against time to regain full fitness ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup opener against Brazil.

The expanded global showpiece will kick-off on Thursday night, with 48 nations set to battle it out for the covetous title.

 Mazraoui, who plies his trade for Manchester United picked up the injury during a friendly against Norway and has since been working intensively to recover in time for the tournament.

While initial assessments suggest the setback is not severe, concerns remain over his readiness for the opening group-stage fixture.

The North African powerhouse, led by coach Mohamed Wahbi, remains cautiously optimistic, with staff hopeful that Mazraoui will be cleared in time for the showdown against football heavyweights the Brazil on June 14.

As per reports, Morocco medical team is taking no risks with the defender’s rehabilitation, given his importance to the Atlas Lions tactical setup. Mazraoui has become one of the squad’s most influential figures in recent years, valued for his versatility across the defensive line and his ability to contribute in both defensive stability and attacking build-up play.

He was also a key member of Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup squad that reached the semi-finals in Qatar, finishing fourth, a landmark achievement for African football.

The coaching staff is eager to have him available not only for the Brazil clash but also for the broader group-stage campaign, where Morocco will also face Scotland national football team on June 20 and Haiti national football team on June 25.

Mazraoui’s importance lies in his tactical flexibility. Beyond his defensive duties, he is widely regarded as a key outlet in transition, helping Morocco progress the ball from deep areas and support attacking movements, qualities that make him a central figure in the Atlas Lions’ system.

As Morocco fine-tune preparations for one of the tournament’s most challenging groups, all eyes remain on the defender’s recovery timeline, with his availability potentially shaping their early World Cup ambitions.