Morocco Loses Key Players Ezzalzouli and Aguerd to Injury Ahead of World Cup

Morocco's national football team faces a significant setback as winger Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd have been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to injuries. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation confirmed the players' withdrawal, with FIFA updating the squad list to reflect their replacements.

Ezzalzouli, who plays for Real Betis, sustained a sprained right knee during a friendly match against Norway. Aguerd, a defender for Olympique Marseille, has been out of action since March following surgery for a pubic bone issue. Their absence leaves a considerable void for the Atlas Lions' new coach, Mohamed Ouahbi.

Ezzalzouli, 24, has been in impressive form for Betis this season, playing a crucial role in their fifth-place finish in La Liga and qualification for the Champions League. He also contributed significantly to the team's Europa League run to the quarterfinals. Aguerd's experience as a central defender was also vital to the team that reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup.

The withdrawals compound existing defensive challenges for Morocco. The team is already without its emblematic captain Romain Saïss, and defender Adam Masina was injured during the last Africa Cup of Nations. Additionally, defender Chadi Riad of Crystal Palace has only recently returned to competition. The Atlas Lions have called up Fulham defender Issa Diop, who opted to represent Morocco over France or Senegal.

“

The Moroccan delegation, contacted by AFP, made no comment.