World Cup 2026: Morocco wait on Nayef Aguerd fitness boost ahead of Brazil opener

Morocco remain uncertain over the fitness of defender Nayef Aguerd less than a week before their opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Brazil, with the Atlas Lions continuing to monitor his recovery from injury.

The defender has not played since March after undergoing surgery for pubalgia, leaving his participation in the tournament under scrutiny as Morocco enter the final phase of their preparations.

Questions over Aguerd’s availability persisted on Sunday when Morocco drew 1-1 with Norway in a friendly match in New Jersey.

Although Brahim Diaz gave the Atlas Lions an early lead, Norway fought back to secure an equaliser late in the game. Despite an encouraging overall display, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side once again took to the field without one of their most influential defenders.

Aguerd was absent from the matchday squad, with Issa Diop and Chadi Riad forming Morocco’s central defensive partnership. However, the Olympique de Marseille player has remained with the national team throughout his rehabilitation programme and has recently resumed parts of group training.

His gradual return to training has strengthened hopes that he could still feature during the World Cup, although no final decision has yet been made.

Speaking after the Norway match, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi stressed that the situation remains under close review.

“He is following the protocol planned from the start. We are giving him another week, he is training, we will know exactly where he is and we will make the decision. We saw him on the field with us (in training, editor’s note), it’s very positive. He is a very important player for the group, we remain confident and we will see what happens next,” explained the Moroccan coach.

The comments suggest Morocco’s coaching staff are prepared to wait as long as possible before reaching a conclusion on the defender’s status.

Ouahbi later indicated that the main concern may not be whether Aguerd starts against Brazil, but whether he is available for selection at all.

“I’m not going to lie to you, the question isn’t necessarily whether he starts the match against Brazil, but rather whether he’s on the team sheet.”

The statement offers a more optimistic outlook regarding Aguerd’s longer-term prospects in the tournament, suggesting that his place in Morocco’s World Cup plans has not been ruled out.

Morocco are also assessing the condition of Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli after both players were forced off during the draw with Norway. Their situations are being monitored by the medical staff as the team prepares for its World Cup opener.

There was more positive news regarding Chemsdine Talbi, who returned to normal training sessions after overcoming a minor fitness concern.

With the countdown to Brazil now underway, attention in the Moroccan camp remains firmly fixed on Aguerd’s recovery, as the Atlas Lions wait to discover whether one of their key defenders will be ready when the World Cup begins.