Ezzalzouli ruled out of World Cup, Mazraoui and Aguerd also uncertain for Morocco

Abde Ezzalzouli is ruled out of the 2026 World Cup. The left winger for Real Betis, injured in the right knee during a warm-up match against Norway on Sunday at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, suffered a ligament sprain. His unavailability is estimated at between three and four weeks, which rules him out of the tournament.

The injury occurred late in the first half of a match that ended in a 1-1 draw, three days before Morocco’s entry into the competition. The Atlas Lions had approached this final rehearsal with confidence, after crushing Madagascar 4-0 the previous Tuesday.

Ezzalzouli is not the only concern in the Moroccan squad. Noussair Mazraoui also left the field prematurely, in the 29th minute, with a shoulder injury. His participation in the opening match against Brazil on June 14 remains uncertain, although a withdrawal from the entire World Cup is not being discussed.

The situation of Nayef Aguerd is also being closely monitored. The Olympique de Marseille defender is following a medical protocol established beforehand, and coach Mohamed Ouahbi indicated after the match that a decision on his availability would be made in the coming days. “We’re giving ourselves this week, he’s training, we’ll know exactly where he stands and we’ll make the decision. We saw him on the pitch with us, it’s very positive,” the coach said. He clarified that the immediate issue is not so much that Aguerd starts against Brazil, “but rather that he is on the match sheet”.

Reigning African champions, Morocco will begin their World Cup on June 14 against Brazil, before facing Scotland on June 20 and Haiti on June 25.