World Cup 2026: Soufiane Rahimi tipped to replace injured Ismael Saibari against France

Morocco are expected to hand Soufiane Rahimi a starting role in Thursday’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France following the absence of influential forward Ismael Saibari through injury.

The Atlas Lions head into the blockbuster clash in Boston with concerns over Saibari’s fitness after the PSV Eindhoven star was forced off with a muscle injury during Morocco’s Round of 16 victory over Canada.

Rahimi replaced Saibari in that encounter and made an immediate impact, helping Morocco seize control of the game by playing a key role in the opening goal before finding the back of the net himself in an impressive cameo.

With Saibari ruled out of the match, Moroccan football experts believe Rahimi is more than capable of filling the void as the Atlas Lions chase another historic World Cup achievement.

Former Morocco coach Redouane El Haimer believes national team boss Mohamed Ouahbi’s  tactical approach will remain unchanged despite Saibari’s absence.

According to El Haimer, Wahbi’s preferred “false nine” system allows the attacking player to drag defenders out of position while creating numerical superiority in advanced areas.

He noted that Rahimi has adapted seamlessly to the role, particularly after his confidence-boosting performance against Haiti earlier in the tournament, where he scored once and provided an assist.

El Haimer also highlighted Rahimi’s outstanding display against Canada, explaining that the Al Ain forward won the free-kick that led to Morocco’s opening goal before later getting on the scoresheet himself.

He praised Rahimi’s intelligent movement behind the Canadian defence and his constant willingness to stretch the opposition, qualities that created numerous attacking opportunities for the Atlas Lions.

“Despite the absence of Ismael Saibari, who has been one of Morocco’s standout players at this World Cup, Rahimi has the quality to fill the gap and is the most suitable replacement,” El Haimer said.

Former Morocco international and coach Fawzi Jamal echoed that view, insisting Rahimi has already shown he can perform the role effectively.

Jamal believes Morocco’s tactical identity will not be affected by Saibari’s absence, adding that Rahimi adapted quickly to the intensity of the tournament and produced an energetic attacking display after coming on against Canada.

Beyond the attack, Jamal also called for defender Chadi Riad to return to the starting lineup if fit, arguing that Morocco need greater composure in building attacks from the back after Redouane Halhal struggled in possession during the previous match.

He stressed that the Atlas Lions require more vertical passing through midfield to increase the tempo of their attacks against a formidable French side.

Saibari has been one of Morocco’s standout performers at the 2026 World Cup, scoring three goals during the tournament, while Rahimi has also enjoyed an impressive campaign with two goals and one assist.

Morocco will face France in the quarter-finals on Thursday night in Boston, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.