Morocco Suffer Saibari Blow Ahead of World Cup Quarter-Final Against France
Morocco will be without Ismael Saibari for their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France after the midfielder failed to recover from the thigh injury he sustained during the 3-0 Round of 16 victory over Canada.
Soufiane Rahimi is expected to replace Saibari in the starting lineup as Morocco look to secure a place in the semi-finals.
The Atlas Lions are also sweating over the fitness of defender Chadi Riad, whose availability remains uncertain. If he is ruled out, Redouane Halhal is expected to partner Issa Diop in central defence.
Morocco are likely to retain a strong midfield featuring Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui, while Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi and Bilal El-Khanouss are also expected to start.
Morocco’s likely starting XI: Yassine Bounou; Noussair Mazraoui, Redouane Halhal, Issa Diop, Achraf Hakimi; Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi; Bilal El-Khanouss, Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Diaz; Soufiane Rahimi.
