Injury Blow: Morocco Loses Two Key Players Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Morocco's Squad Hit by Injuries Before World Cup

According to Главком: Morocco's national football team has suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as defender Nayef Aguerd and forward Abde Ezzalzouli have been ruled out of the tournament due to injuries. Ezzalzouli sustained a knee ligament injury during a friendly match against Norway, which ended in a 1–1 draw. The specifics of Aguerd's injury remain undisclosed. In response, Morocco has removed both players from their World Cup roster. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has called up defender Marwan Saadan from Al-Fateh and forward Mohamed Amine Sbaï from Angers, who made his national team debut in 2026, as replacements.

Club Contributions to the 2026 World Cup

Meanwhile, 17 clubs have sent ten or more players to the 2026 World Cup. The leading contributors are:

• Manchester City - 19 players
• Bayern Munich - 18 players
• Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain - 16 players each
• Barcelona - 15 players
• Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Al-Hilal, and Atlético Madrid - 12 players each
• Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Galatasaray - 11 players each
• Slavia Prague, AC Milan, PSV Eindhoven, Real Madrid, and Fenerbahçe - 10 players each

Notably, Spain's squad for the 2026 World Cup includes no players from Real Madrid, while Barcelona has contributed seven players to the Spanish national team. Under new FIFA regulations for the 2026 tournament, referees will issue red cards for covering the mouth during conflicts or attempting to leave the field in protest against officiating decisions.

The match schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup includes fixtures for all groups and knockout stages. Group A matches begin on June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa, while Group B sees Canada take on Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. Groups C through L will play their matches from June 14 to June 18, followed by the knockout rounds. The final is scheduled for July 19.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Morocco faces significant challenges, but other teams are also preparing intensively, as reflected in the schedule and player contributions. The loss of key players could impact Morocco's chances in a highly competitive tournament, where injuries often prove decisive. The integration and form of new squad members will be crucial for achieving desired results on the global stage.

As Morocco grapples with the loss of key players ahead of the World Cup, it's important to note that the tournament will also see new regulations implemented. For instance, players may face penalties for covering their mouths during disputes, a change aimed at maintaining order on the pitch. Understanding these rules will be crucial for teams and fans alike as the competition approaches.