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Morocco Lose Star Ismael Saibari Ahead of Crucial World Cup Clash with France

Posted : 09 July 2026

Morocco have been dealt a major setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France after head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed that influential midfielder Ismael Saibari will miss Thursday's showdown because of a hamstring injury. The Bayern Munich-bound playmaker has not recovered after being forced off during Morocco's 3-0 victory over Canada in the round of 16. However, the coach remains hopeful he could return later in the tournament.

Saibari has been one of the stars of Morocco's World Cup campaign, scoring in all three group-stage matches before calmly converting the decisive penalty in the shootout victory over the Netherlands. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Atlas Lions' attack, with striker Soufiane Rahimi expected to continue in the starting line-up after replacing him against Canada and finding the net.

Morocco head into the quarter-final seeking revenge for their 2-0 defeat to France in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, a tournament in which they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four. Ouahbi dismissed suggestions that reaching the quarter-finals alone should be considered enough, insisting his players are determined to progress even further and continue chasing the title.

The coach believes his side can compete with one of the tournament favourites and stressed that Morocco will remain faithful to their style of play rather than adopting surprise tactics. Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz echoed that confidence, saying the squad fully believes it has the quality to challenge France despite the absence of one of its key performers.

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