World Cup 2026: Morocco handed Noussair Mazraoui injury boost ahead of Brazil opener

Morocco have received a major boost ahead of their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Brazil, with defender Noussair Mazraoui on course to be available for the Group C showdown.

The global showpiece, kick-started on Thursday, with the Atlas Lions expected to take on the South African football powerhouse on Saturday.

According to a report, the Moroccan international has made significant progress in his recovery from a recent injury scare and could be fit in time to feature in the Atlas Lions’ tournament opener.

Concerns over Mazraoui’s fitness emerged during Morocco’s friendly encounter against Norway when the defender landed awkwardly on his shoulder. The incident raised fears that the Manchester United star could miss part of the World Cup, dealing a major blow to Morocco’s preparations.

However, the latest update suggests the injury is less serious than initially feared. The versatile defender has already returned to group training after following a precautionary individual programme in the gym, with his condition continuing to improve.

The report stated that Mazraoui has undergone extensive assessments under the supervision of Morocco’s medical staff, who remain optimistic about his chances of being available for the highly anticipated showdown against Brazil.

His potential return comes as a welcome development for national team coach Mohamed Wahbi, who has already been forced to cope with significant injury setbacks ahead of the tournament.

The Atlas Lions recently confirmed that defender Nayef Aguerd and winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli would miss the World Cup after failing to recover from their respective injuries. Aguerd, despite participating in some training sessions in recent days, was deemed not fully ready to return to competitive action, while Ezzalzouli suffered a knee ligament injury during the friendly against Norway.

As a result, Marouane Saâdane and Amine Sebaï were drafted into Morocco’s final 26-man squad to replace the injured duo.

While the absence of Aguerd and Ezzalzouli represents a setback, the likelihood of having Mazraoui available has significantly lifted spirits within the Moroccan camp. The defender’s experience, versatility and leadership are expected to play a key role as the Atlas Lions attempt to navigate a challenging group that also includes Scotland and Haiti.

Morocco’s opening encounter against Brazil is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the first round, with the South American giants expected to rely on several of their leading stars, including Casemiro and Matheus Cunha.

For Morocco, having Mazraoui available would provide an important boost both defensively and mentally as the Atlas Lions seek a positive start to their World Cup campaign. After their historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, expectations remain high for another strong showing on football’s biggest stage.

With the countdown to kick-off continuing, all signs point to Mazraoui overcoming his injury concerns and giving Morocco a timely boost ahead of their clash with the five-time world champions.