Morocco's Abde Ezzalzouli Injured in World Cup Prep Friendly vs Norway
Morocco drew 1-1 with Norway in a World Cup preparation friendly on June 7, 2026, in New Jersey. Brahim Díaz scored early, but the match was overshadowed by injuries to key players Abde Ezzalzouli (right knee) and Noussair Mazraoui (shoulder). Both were forced off, casting doubt on their availability for Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil on June 14. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi awaits medical results.
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Nayef Aguerd Withdraws from 2026 World Cup, Denies Relapse in Instagram Statement
Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup, as confirmed by the Moroccan national team on Thursday, just three days before their opening match. Despite training with the squad on Wednesday, the 30-year-old Olympique Marseille player, who has struggled with an adductor injury all season, announced his withdrawal in a lengthy Instagram post. Aguerd clarified that the decision was not due to a relapse but because his performance level was not sufficient for the group stage. He underwent adductor surgery in mid-March and had been rehabilitating with the national team's medical staff since early May. Aguerd stated he would now be the team's 'number one supporter' and thanked the medical staff, federation president, and fans. The decision was made jointly with the coaching staff in the interest of the team.
Home Football - actualitésMorocco's Nayef Aguerd Breaks Silence After Surprise World Cup Withdrawal
Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd has publicly confirmed his withdrawal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a surprise announcement on Thursday morning. Aguerd, who had been seen training with the squad, stated that the decision was made jointly with the Moroccan national team staff due to his inability to reach 100% physical readiness for the start of the competition. He clarified that his absence is not due to a relapse of his previous injury, but rather a lack of sufficient current performance level. Aguerd expressed gratitude to the federation president, Dr. Christophe Baudot, and the medical staff for their support. He has been replaced by Marouane Saadane. This is another setback for Morocco after the earlier loss of Abde Ez. Aguerd vowed to be the team's number one supporter and wished his teammates success.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertMorocco: Why Nayef Aguerd is ultimately ruled out of 2026 World Cup
Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to a persistent adductor injury that required surgery. Despite being named in the squad by coach Mohamed Ouahbi, Aguerd failed to recover in time for the tournament. The decision was a joint one between the player and the Moroccan staff, who had agreed before the squad announcement that Aguerd would not play unless he was fit enough to compete for a starting spot against Brazil. Having not played in any preparation matches or even made the match sheet, the staff opted to replace him with reserve player Marouane Saadane. Aguerd himself did not want to risk a relapse or further injury, preferring to preserve his health for the upcoming season and future national team commitments. This follows the earlier withdrawal of Abde Ezzalzouli, who was replaced by Angers striker Amine Sbaï.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertInjuries Force Ezzalzouli and Aguerd Out of Morocco's World Cup Squad
Morocco have made two late changes to their World Cup squad after injuries sidelined forward Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd, just two days before their opening match against Brazil. Ezzalzouli, 24, of Real Betis, will miss four to six weeks with a knee injury sustained in a collision with teammate Chadi Riad during a warm-up draw with Norway. Aguerd, 30, formerly of West Ham and now at Marseille, has been struggling with a groin problem and last played on 4 March. Angers attacker Amine Sbai, 23, and 34-year-old Al-Fateh defender Marwane Saadane have been called up as replacements. Morocco, ranked seventh in the world and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, are in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Captain Achraf Hakimi has recovered from a thigh injury and played 65 minutes in the Norway friendly. Notable absentees include former Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech.
BBC SportMorocco: Achraf Hakimi's Message to Aguerd and Abde Ez After World Cup Withdrawals
Moroccan national team players Abde Ez and Nayef Aguerd have been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to injuries. Abde Ez sustained an injury in Morocco's final warm-up match against Norway and will not recover in time for the tournament. Nayef Aguerd, a central defender for Olympique de Marseille, was unable to return to full fitness for the start of the competition, leading the coaching staff to decide against taking any risks. The news was a significant blow to Moroccan fans. In response, teammate Achraf Hakimi reportedly sent a supportive message to both players. The article, published by Foot Mercato on June 11, 2026, highlights the last-minute nature of these withdrawals and their impact on Morocco's World Cup preparations.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertMorocco: Abde Ez's Reaction After World Cup-Ending Injury
Moroccan international and Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli (Abde Ez) has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to a knee sprain sustained in a match against Norway. The injury is a major blow for Morocco, as Abde was their most in-form attacker and a key player under coach Mohamed Ouahbi. He has been replaced by Amine Sbai. In a statement on Instagram, Abde expressed gratitude for the support he received, acknowledged the pain of missing the tournament, and vowed to return stronger through faith and hard work. He also urged Moroccan fans to unite behind the national team. The article was published by Foot Mercato on June 11, 2026.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertReal Betis Sends Support to Ez Abde After World Cup Injury
Real Betis has publicly expressed support for Moroccan winger Ez Abde after he was ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to a knee injury. The injury occurred during a friendly match against Norway when teammate Chadi Riad accidentally fell on him, causing a sprain of the internal lateral ligament in his right knee. Abde, 20, is expected to be sidelined for about a month but should be fit for the start of the 2026/27 season. He is currently one of Real Betis's most valuable players, alongside Antony, and a key part of the club's Champions League plans. Abde previously played for Morocco in the 2022 Qatar World Cup and was set to be a starter in the 2026 edition alongside Real Madrid's Brahim.
FútbolMorocco replaces injured Nayef Aguerd and Ez Abde for 2026 World Cup
Morocco's national football team has made two late changes to its 2026 World Cup squad due to injuries. Defender Nayef Aguerd (Marseille) and forward Ez Abde (Betis) have been replaced by Marwane Saadane (Al Fateh) and Amine Sbai (Angers), respectively. Abde suffered a knee ligament sprain in a friendly against Norway, while Aguerd failed to regain match fitness after a prolonged absence. The Atlas Lions, reigning African champions after the controversial 2025 AFCON final, are placed in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. This marks Morocco's seventh World Cup appearance and third consecutive, following their historic fourth-place finish in 2022. The 23rd edition of the tournament, featuring 48 teams for the first time, began on June 11 and runs through July 19, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
RecordMorocco loses Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli to injury for 2026 World Cup
Morocco will be without key players Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli for the 2026 World Cup, which begins Thursday in Mexico. The Moroccan Federation has not officially announced the changes, but FIFA platform updates show the two players have been replaced by Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi faces a significant blow just before the opening match. Aguerd, a central defender for Olympique de Marseille, had hoped to recover from pubalgia that sidelined him since March, but surgery and rehabilitation failed to get him ready in time. Ezzalzouli, a Betis winger, injured his knee in the last preparatory match against Norway. Initially thought to be out only for the group stage, his condition worsened, ruling him out entirely.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuHard blow for Abde: he misses out on the World Cup
Morocco officially announced on June 11, 2026, that winger Ez Abde will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico due to a knee ligament sprain sustained during a friendly match against Norway. Initially kept in the squad in hopes of recovery for the knockout stages, further tests revealed a four-to-six-week recovery period, ruling him out entirely. Abde, who plays for Real Betis, joins defender Nayef Aguerd of Olympique de Marseille on the injury list. They will be replaced by Amine Sbai from Angers and Marwane Saadane from Al Fateh in Saudi Arabia.
FútbolMorocco Suffers Major Blow with Two Player Withdrawals Ahead of 2026 World Cup Opener
Morocco has confirmed the withdrawal of two key players for the 2026 World Cup, just three days before their opening match against Brazil. Defender Nayef Aguerd, who struggled with an adductor injury throughout the season and underwent surgery in March, was ruled out after his physical condition was deemed insufficient for the tournament. Attacker Abde Ezzalzouli suffered a moderate ligament sprain in his knee during a preparation match against Norway on June 7 and is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks. Both players have been replaced: Marwane Saadane (Al Fateh/Saudi Arabia) and Amine Sbai (Angers) join the squad. The withdrawals are described as major blows for Morocco, who face Brazil on Sunday at midnight. Meanwhile, Noussair Mazraoui remains on the official FIFA list despite a shoulder injury.
Home Football - actualitésMorocco Loses Abde and Aguerd to Injury Ahead of World Cup; Sbaï and Saâdane Called Up
On June 11, 2025, Morocco's national football team suffered a setback on the eve of the World Cup as winger Abde and defender Nayef Aguerd withdrew due to injuries. Abde injured his right knee (medial collateral ligament sprain) during a warm-up match against Norway after colliding with teammate Chadi Riad. Despite initial hopes for recovery, a French medical expert's pessimistic assessment led coach Walid Regragui to officially notify FIFA of their removal from the final squad. As replacements, Angers forward Amine Sbaï and Al-Fateh defender Marwan Saâdane, who had been training with the team in New Jersey, were urgently called up. Real Betis, Abde's club, expressed relief, citing a prior incident where Morocco overused Amrabat during the Africa Cup of Nations, worsening his injury. Abde is expected to fully recover and be ready for Betis's pre-season training starting July 6.
虎扑 - 足球Morocco's Abde and Aguerd Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup Due to Injury
Morocco has officially confirmed that winger Abde (Abdessamad Ezzalzouli) will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a grade 2 sprain of the internal ligament in his knee during a friendly against Norway. The Real Betis player, aged 24, was expected to start on the left wing under coach Mohamed Ouahbi. His absence is a significant blow ahead of Morocco's opening match against Brazil. Additionally, defender Nayef Aguerd, formerly of Real Sociedad and currently at Marseille, has also been dropped from the squad due to a last-minute injury. Their replacements are Amine Sbaï (Angers) and Marwane Saadane (Al Fateh). The article also notes a related link to a Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup group match.
F√∫tbol en AS.comMorocco's Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup
Morocco's national football team, the Atlas Lions, have suffered a major setback just days before their opening 2026 World Cup match against Brazil. Key players Nayef Aguerd (30), a central defender from Olympique de Marseille, and Abde Ezzalzouli (24), a winger from Real Betis, have been officially withdrawn from the squad due to injuries. Aguerd had undergone surgery and attempted rehabilitation in Morocco but failed to recover in time. Ezzalzouli sustained a knee injury during a preparatory match against Norway and is expected to miss at least the group stage. They have been replaced by Marwane Saadane (Al Fateh) and Amine Sbai (Angers). The Moroccan federation has not yet made an official announcement, but changes were recorded on FIFA platforms. The news is a significant blow to coach Mohamed Ouahbi's plans as the team prepares to face Brazil on June 14.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertMorocco's Abde Ezzalzouli Out 2-4 Weeks with Knee Sprain, Likely to Miss World Cup Group Stage
Moroccan international Abde Ezzalzouli has been diagnosed with a moderate sprain of the knee ligament, sustained during a World Cup preparation match against Norway (1-1). New medical examinations confirm he will be unavailable for 2 to 4 weeks, meaning he will miss at least the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. Despite the injury, the Moroccan medical staff have informed his club Real Betis that they intend to keep the 24-year-old winger with the squad, hoping he can recover in time for the round of 16 should Morocco qualify. The situation is being closely monitored by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi as Morocco prepares to face Brazil in their opening match of the tournament.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertGood News for Betis: Ez Abde's Knee Sprain Not Serious, Will Stay with Morocco for World Cup
The Moroccan Football Federation has confirmed to Real Betis that winger Ez Abde suffered a sprain of the internal lateral ligament in his right knee during a friendly match against Norway on Sunday, when teammate Chadi Riad fell on him. However, after latest tests, the injury is deemed not serious. Abde will remain with the Moroccan national team and is expected to recover in time for the decisive matches after the group stage, which begin on June 29. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi can make injury-related changes up to 24 hours before the first match against Brazil on June 9 in New York, but Abde will not be replaced. The news is considered positive for Real Betis and Morocco.
FútbolMorocco to Decide on Ez Abde's World Cup Status Within 48 Hours
The Moroccan Football Federation's medical team will conduct new tests on Real Betis winger Ez Abde to determine the severity of a sprained internal lateral ligament in his right knee, suffered during a friendly against Norway. Doctors are waiting for swelling to subside before assessing the injury. If the sprain is mild, Abde could return in just over two weeks, missing group stage matches but potentially being available for the playoffs starting June 29. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi will wait 48 hours before deciding whether to replace Abde or keep him in the squad. The deadline for injury-related changes is 24 hours before Morocco's first World Cup match against Brazil in New York, which kicks off on Sunday at midnight Spanish time, giving Ouahbi until the end of Friday to make a final decision.
FútbolMan Utd's Noussair Mazraoui suffers injury scare ahead of World Cup opener against Brazil
Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has been handed a major injury scare just days before Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil. The full-back was forced off after only 29 minutes of Morocco's friendly against Norway on Sunday evening, following a collision during a corner that appeared to cause an arm or shoulder injury. The extent of the problem remains unknown, but his participation in Morocco's Group C opener at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday is now in doubt. Mazraoui had recently discussed the upcoming match with Manchester United teammates Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, noting the higher expectations for Morocco after their semi-final run in 2022. Meanwhile, incoming United signing Ederson may be called up by Brazil to replace the injured Wesley.
Mirror - Football2026 World Cup: Panic in Morocco as Two Starters Injured in Friendly
Morocco's 2026 World Cup preparations were thrown into disarray after a 1-1 friendly draw with Norway on Sunday evening. Two key starters, full-back Noussair Mazraoui and winger Abde Ezzalzouli, left the field with injuries in the first half. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed the injuries, with early reports indicating a shoulder subluxation for Mazraoui and a knee issue for Ezzalzouli. The injuries add to existing concerns over defender Nayef Aguerd and attacker Chemssdine Talbi, both uncertain for Morocco's opening group match against Brazil. Morocco, a semi-finalist in the previous World Cup, is in Group C with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertMazraoui and Abed Injured in Morocco-Norway Friendly; Coach Hopes Injuries Are Not Serious
In a friendly match early on June 8, Morocco drew 1-1 with Norway. Two key Moroccan players, Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United) and Abdessamad Abed, were injured and forced to leave the field. Mazraoui was substituted in the 29th minute due to physical discomfort, later reported as a shoulder injury. Abed injured his right knee while defending a corner kick and was replaced before halftime. Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz scored Morocco's goal in the 7th minute. Morocco coach Mohamed Wahbi stated the team is awaiting further medical examination results and expressed hope that both players will recover in time for Morocco's first World Cup match against Brazil on June 13.
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