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Morocco has made two injury-enforced changes to its World Cup squad ahead of its opening match against Brazil, dealing a significant blow to the team’s hopes.
Winger Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd have both been ruled out, according to the official FIFA squad list.
Ezzalzouli, the Real Betis forward, suffered a knee injury during a friendly against Norway last weekend and has been replaced by Amine Sbai of Angers. Meanwhile, Aguerd, who has not played since March due to groin surgery, is out of the tournament and has been replaced by Saudi-based Marwane Saadane.
The news comes as a double setback for Morocco, four years after making history as the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Both Ezzalzouli and Aguerd were key members of that 2022 squad, and their absence leaves coach Mohamed Ouahbi with fewer experienced options, particularly in defence.
The team is already coping with the retirement of long-serving captain Romain Saiss and the injury of Adam Masina in the Africa Cup of Nations final in January.
Despite the challenges, Morocco has called on other defenders, including Crystal Palace’s Chadi Riad, who was included despite limited game time since returning from a lengthy absence in January.
Fulham centre-back Issa Diop has also joined the squad. The 29-year-old, who previously represented France at youth level and was eligible for Senegal through his mother, has opted to play for Morocco.
Morocco faces a tough start in Group C, opening against five-time champions Brazil in New Jersey on Saturday, then facing Scotland and Haiti.
