With the FIFA World Cup approaching, Morocco have been dealt a setback after losing two key players from their squad due to injury. Defenders Nayef Aguerd and winger Abde Ezzalzouli have both been ruled out, forcing last-minute changes to the team just days before the tournament begins.
In response, the Moroccan Football Federation, along with FIFA, confirmed the inclusion of Saudi-based defender Marwane Saadane and striker Amine Sbai as their replacements. While the injuries are a blow to the squad’s balance, the new call-ups now have a chance to step onto the World Cup stage and make their mark for Morocco.
Morocco FIFA World Cup Injury Replacements: Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai Called UpÂ
Saadane, 34, debuted for Morocco in 2015 but has been an infrequent squad member since, while 25-year-old Sbai, who plays primarily on the left wing, won a first cap earlier this month in a World Cup warm-up friendly against Burundi.
Both Saadane and Sbai were taken to the U.S as cover and have been training with the squad. Saadane featured in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Norway as a second half replacement while Sbai was listed among the substitutes. Morocco open their Group C campaign at the World Cup against Brazil at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Saturday.
Why Were Nayef Aguerd And Abde Ezzalzouli Ruled Out of Morocco’s World Cup Squad?
Aguerd, 30, has not played since the start of March because of a groin injury, which required surgery. His recovery stalled in April when it was discovered that he had a fracture of his pubic bone. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahabi kept up hope Aguerd would recover in time, but decided on Thursday that he would not be ready for this month’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The 24-year-old Ezzalzouli was hurt in a freak incident in the weekend’s friendly against Norway in Harrison, New Jersey. As Morocco defended a corner kick, teammate Chadi Riad landed awkwardly on Ezzalzouli’s right knee. Ezzalzouli attempted to continue playing, but soon had to be taken off. Both Aguerd and Ezzalzouli were in the Morocco squad that reached the semi-final of the last World Cup in Qatar, and also the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in January. Aguerd, however, was also injured at the last World Cup in the last-16 tie against Spain and missed their three subsequent games at the tournament.
Who Are Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai? Meet Morocco’s New World Cup Call-Ups
Morocco have finalised their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with two late changes, as Marwane Saâdane and Amine Sbaï were drafted in following injury setbacks to key players. Both were initially travelling with the team as standby options but were officially registered just 48 hours before Morocco’s Group C opener against Brazil, after head coach Mohamed Ouahbi was forced to reshuffle his plans.
Saâdane, 34, comes in as defensive cover for Nayef Aguerd and brings valuable experience from the Saudi Pro League with Al Fateh SC, along with years of international exposure since his debut in 2015. Though not a regular starter in recent years, he recently featured as a substitute in Morocco’s 1-1 warm-up draw against Norway, adding stability and depth at the back.
On the other hand, Amine Sbaï, 25, steps in for injured winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, offering pace and creativity on the left flank. Playing for Angers SCO in France, he has impressed with his direct attacking style and end product in Ligue 1. A relatively new face at international level, Sbaï earned his first cap only recently in a pre-tournament friendly, and now gets a major opportunity on football’s biggest stage.
(With inputs from Reuters)
