Morocco's World Cup hopes hit as key defender Chadi Riad faces fitness battle

Morocco faces a significant setback just hours before their 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match against Canada, with defender Chadi Riad's participation in doubt due to a physical injury. The player remains under close medical supervision, casting uncertainty over his availability for the crucial game scheduled for Saturday in Houston.

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The player has not participated in Morocco's collective training sessions in recent days, contenting himself with a specific individual program supervised by the medical staff.

According to sources close to the situation, Riad has not joined the team's collective training sessions in recent days. Instead, he has been following a specific individual program managed by the medical staff. This situation fuels doubt about his ability to play in a match that is decisive for qualification to the quarterfinals. The technical staff, led by Mohamed Wahbi, is adopting a cautious approach, refusing to take any risks as the team seeks a historic advancement after eliminating the Netherlands in the previous round.

The central defender is experiencing persistent pain following the last match played by the Atlas Lions. His condition is being evaluated daily by the medical team, who must determine if he can gradually resume collective training or if he must withdraw from the match against Canada. The same source indicates that Riad's participation is still possible, but it depends on the evolution of his physical condition in the hours leading up to kickoff.

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His condition is evaluated daily by the medical staff, who must determine if he can gradually resume collective training or if he must declare forfait for the match against Canada.

Should Riad be included in the matchday squad, he might not be at 100% of his capabilities. This prompts the technical staff to consider various defensive alternatives. Riad is considered a key element of Morocco's defensive structure, and his potential absence would be a major blow to the team's solidity, especially in the knockout stages. The medical staff continues its close monitoring, and a final decision is expected in the coming hours, in coordination with the technical staff. Moroccan fans are keenly awaiting the decision regarding Riad's participation in what is anticipated to be a pivotal match for the Atlas Lions in the 2026 World Cup.

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His potential absence would therefore constitute a severe blow for the Atlas Lions, who approach this meeting with ambition but also with caution against a solid and disciplined Canadian team.