Officially: Aguerd and Ezzalzouli Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup, Saâdane and Sebbahi Called Up

T.E (Elbotola)

11 June 2026at09:24

The absence of duo Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli from the Moroccan national team squad for the 2026 World Cup finals has been officially confirmed. This decision follows the confirmation of their physical unreadiness and their subsequent exclusion from the final list approved by FIFA.

In response, Morocco national team coach Mohamed Wahbi has called up defender Marouane Saâdane and Amine Sebai to join the "Atlas Lions" squad. They will replace the injured duo, Aguerd and Ezzalzouli, whose absences are deemed unavoidable.

National coach Mohamed Wahbi faces new challenges just days before the start of the competition. This is particularly significant as Aguerd and Ezzalzouli were among the most prominent names expected to play key roles for the squad during the World Cup.

Doubts had surrounded Aguerd's participation for some time, despite his appearance in some recent training sessions. The Moroccan defender was unable to fully recover from a pubic bone injury, which has kept him off the field since last March, following surgery at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Ezzalzouli sustained a knee injury during the recent friendly match against Norway. This injury was initially expected to sideline him for a short period, but it was later confirmed that his participation in the World Cup would be difficult.

The Moroccan national team will kick off its World Cup campaign by facing Brazil next Saturday (23:00 GMT+1) in the first round of the group stage.

Q&A

Why were Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli ruled out of the 2026 World Cup?

Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli were ruled out of Morocco's 2026 World Cup squad due to confirmed physical unreadiness. Aguerd suffered a pubic bone injury requiring surgery, while Ezzalzouli sustained a knee injury. Their absences are deemed unavoidable.

How will the absence of Aguerd and Ezzalzouli impact the Moroccan national team?

The absence of Aguerd and Ezzalzouli creates new challenges for Morocco's national coach, Mohamed Wahbi, just days before the World Cup. Both players were expected to play key roles, making their exclusion a significant blow to the squad's preparations.

Who will replace Aguerd and Ezzalzouli in Morocco's World Cup squad?

Marouane Saâdane and Amine Sebai have been called up to join the "Atlas Lions" squad as replacements for the injured duo. Coach Mohamed Wahbi made these additions to address the team's needs ahead of their opening World Cup fixture.