Morocco suffer major blow ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

A major injury setback has cast doubt over Morocco’s World Cup preparations, with defender Nayef Aguerd officially ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The Moroccan international had been battling persistent pain in the pubic region for several weeks and had initially raised hopes of making a return before the campaign’s conclusion. However, his condition has since deteriorated.

Aguerd, who plays for Olympique de Marseille, underwent surgery on March 12, but his recovery has not progressed as expected. Subsequent medical examinations revealed a fracture in his pubic bone, effectively ending his season.

According to reports from Foot Africa, the development is a significant setback for Marseille, where Aguerd has established himself as a key figure in the team’s defensive setup.

The injury now casts uncertainty over his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising concerns for Morocco as they prepare for the global tournament.

As one of the central figures in the Atlas Lions’ backline, Aguerd remains a crucial part of the squad under head coach Mohamed Wahbi, making his recovery timeline a matter of national interest.