Morocco have suffered a significant blow ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against France, with midfielder Ismael Saibari ruled out through injury. The influential playmaker sustained a hamstring injury during Morocco’s convincing 3-0 Round of 16 victory over Canada and has not recovered in time for Thursday’s (local time) clash.
Despite losing one of his key attacking players, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi remains confident in Morocco’s approach as the Atlas Lions prepare for one of the biggest matches in their history. Morocco will now look to overcome the absence of Saibari and continue their bid for a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals against the two-time champions.
Morocco Suffer Major Blow as Ismael Saibari Ruled Out of FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal Against France
Morocco will have to take on France without one of their key attacking players after head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed that Ismael Saibari will miss Thursday’s FIFA World Cup quarterfinal due to a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old picked up the issue during Morocco’s 3-0 Round of 16 win over Canada and was forced off in the first half. After undergoing medical assessments, including an MRI, Ouahbi confirmed that the match has come too soon for the Bayern Munich midfielder.
He said, “Everyone is 100 percent fit except Saibari. This game comes too soon for him, but I hope he is not out for the rest of the competition.” He also added, “He’s not ready but I hope it’s not the end of the tournament for him.” Morocco will now hope the midfielder can recover in time should they progress further in the tournament.
Saibari has been one of Morocco’s standout performers throughout the World Cup, scoring against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti during the group stage before converting the decisive penalty in the Round of 32 shootout victory over the Netherlands. The Bayern Munich midfielder, who completed a €50 million move from PSV Eindhoven earlier this month, leaves a significant gap in Morocco’s attack.
Who Could Replace Ismael Saibari in Morocco’s FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal Against France?
Soufiane Rahimi is expected to replace Ismael Saibari in Morocco’s starting lineup for the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against France. Rahimi was the player brought on after Saibari suffered a hamstring injury during the Round of 16 victory over Canada and made an immediate impact by scoring Morocco’s third goal. His performances throughout the tournament, including two goals and an assist, have strengthened his case to step into the starting XI for the crucial knockout clash.
Morocco could also make a tactical adjustment if head coach Mohamed Ouahbi opts against a like-for-like replacement. Hakim Ziyech may move into a more central attacking role, creating space for Amine Harit to start on the wing. Saibari’s absence comes shortly after he completed a high-profile move from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich, making his injury an untimely setback as Morocco prepares for one of the biggest matches in its World Cup history.
