World Cup 2026: Morocco lose Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli as Amine Sbaï and Marwane Saâdane answer emergency call

Morocco’s World Cup preparations have been thrown into absolute chaos just 48 hours before their opening match against Brazil.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed the permanent withdrawal of star winger Abde Ezzalzouli and defensive anchor Nayef Aguerd from the final 26-man roster. Both players suffered devastating injuries during late medical evaluations at the team’s training camp in the United States.

The double blow forces a massive tactical reset for the Atlas Lions ahead of their Group C campaign. Ezzalzouli’s exit was anticipated after he suffered a severe medial collateral ligament knee sprain during Monday’s friendly match against Norway.

However, Aguerd’s sudden medical disqualification due to an undisclosed injury caught the camp by surprise, stripping the team of its most experienced center-back.

To fill the void, FIFA has officially approved the emergency registration of standby players Amine Sbaï and Marwane Saâdane. The world governing body updated the official tournament website on Thursday morning, confirming both athletes are fully eligible for matchday selection. Saâdane, the 34-year-old Al Fateh defender, will inherit Aguerd’s number 5 shirt.

Angers SCO’s 25-year-old winger Sbaï takes over the number 17 jersey previously assigned to Ezzalzouli.
Losing Aguerd’s elite aerial dominance and Ezzalzouli’s explosive 1v1 dribbling severely damages Morocco’s hopes of replicating their historic 2022 semifinal run.

Tactical adjustments must happen immediately on the training pitch, as no further warm-up matches remain on the schedule. Leadership duties in the defensive third will now fall heavily onto the shoulders of Paris Saint-Germain fullback Achraf Hakimi and Crystal Palace center-back Chadi Riad.

The squad faces a brutal three-match group stage layout across the American East Coast over the next two weeks. Morocco opens the tournament against title-favorites Brazil in New Jersey on June 13, followed by a crucial clash against Scotland in Boston on June 19.

The North Africans conclude their opening round fixtures against Haiti in Miami on June 24. Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Díaz is now expected to carry an even larger share of the creative attacking burden.