World Cup 2026: Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd explains decision to miss tournament

Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd has spoken publicly for the first time since withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup, explaining that he and the national team staff agreed he was not yet ready to perform at the level required for the tournament.

The 30-year-old centre-back, who has been sidelined since March with a groin injury, will miss Morocco’s World Cup campaign, dealing a significant blow to the Atlas Lions ahead of the competition.

Aguerd’s absence had already been confirmed, but the defender has now provided further details regarding the circumstances behind the decision.

In a lengthy message shared on his Instagram account, the former Rennes player clarified that his withdrawal was not caused by a setback in his recovery.

Instead, he revealed that his physical condition has continued to improve steadily in recent weeks.

“On the contrary, I’m feeling better and better every day, and my injury is now behind me. But the staff and I have decided that my current performance level isn’t yet sufficient to help the team as I would have liked during the group stage.”

The statement offers insight into the discussions that took place between the player and Morocco’s coaching and medical staff as they assessed his readiness ahead of the tournament.

Although Aguerd has recovered significantly from the injury that kept him out for several months, he acknowledged that returning to full match fitness in time for the World Cup remained a challenge. Rather than risk participating below his usual standards, both parties opted to prioritise the team’s interests.

The defender stressed that the decision was reached collectively and with the wider objectives of the national team in mind.

Not yet at 100 per cent physically, Aguerd accepted that he would be unable to contribute in the way he expected from himself on football’s biggest stage.

Describing the withdrawal, he explained that it was a “decision made in agreement with the staff” and “in the interest of the team and the competition.”

His absence removes one of Morocco’s most experienced defenders from the squad and represents a setback for a team hoping to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Nevertheless, Aguerd’s comments indicate that the decision was based on caution and collective responsibility rather than any recurrence of injury.

For now, the focus shifts to his continued recovery, while Morocco prepare to begin their campaign without one of their key defensive figures.