Injuries force changes to Morocco World Cup squad as FIFA confirms replacements
FIFA confirms last-minute changes to Morocco World Cup squad after injuries to Abdel Samad Zlazouli and Naif Akrod; Amine Sbai and Marwan Saadan step in.
Morocco’s World Cup squad suffered a late setback as FIFA approved the withdrawal of winger Abdel Samad Zlazouli and defender Naif Akrod due to injury, the governing body announced ahead of the tournament’s June 11, 2026 kickoff. The national federation moved quickly to replace the pair with Angers left winger Amine Sbai and Al-Fateh defender Marwan Saadan, ensuring the squad remains at full strength for the opening matches. Zlazouli sustained a right-knee sprain during the friendly with Norway in New Jersey on Sunday, June 7, 2026, while Akrod has been sidelined since undergoing groin surgery in March 2026. FIFA’s formal confirmation allows Morocco to finalise preparations as the World Cup opens in North America.
FIFA authorises last-minute changes
FIFA confirmed the roster adjustments in an official update, citing medical grounds for the two withdrawals.
The international body noted that Morocco had submitted documentation supporting both injuries and named Sbai and Saadan as the authorised replacements. The decision comes under standard tournament procedures that permit injury replacements before a team’s opening match.
Zlazouli injured in friendly vs Norway
Real Betis winger Abdel Samad Zlazouli left the friendly against Norway with a right-knee sprain in stoppage time of the first half.
Zlazouli’s injury occurred in the 45+ minute period of the match played in New Jersey on June 7, 2026, and assessments by the Moroccan medical team deemed him unfit for the World Cup. The nature of the sprain and the timing of the injury made a return before Morocco’s first match infeasible.
Akrod out after groin surgery in March 2026
Marseille defender Naif Akrod has not featured for his club since March 2026 after undergoing surgery to treat persistent groin pain.
The operation and subsequent rehabilitation have prevented Akrod from taking part in Marseille’s late-season fixtures and left doubts over his readiness for international duty. Morocco’s coaching and medical staff concluded that his recovery timeline did not align with the demands of the World Cup schedule.
Profiles of incoming call-ups: Amine Sbai and Marwan Saadan
Amine Sbai, who plays as a left-sided winger for French club Angers, is the attacking replacement chosen to fill the vacancy left by Zlazouli.
Sbai brings pace and width to the squad and has featured regularly for Angers this season, offering Morocco another option on the flanks. His selection reflects the coaching staff’s need to maintain tactical flexibility on the left wing.
Marwan Saadan, a defender with Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh, has been added to bolster Morocco’s defensive resources following Akrod’s withdrawal.
Saadan’s experience in domestic competition and his versatility across the backline provide the national team with practical cover. The federation indicated that both players had accepted call-ups and would join the squad at the tournament base to integrate with preparations.
Coaching response and tactical considerations
Head coach and his staff have adjusted training plans to account for the two absences and the integration of the replacement players into match preparations.
The coaching team emphasised continuity in tactics while allowing Sbai and Saadan to familiarise themselves with Morocco’s systems and set-piece routines. Morocco’s approach in the days before their opening fixture will focus on fitness checks, defensive organisation, and finishing drills to ensure cohesion.
Impact on Morocco’s World Cup objectives
The late changes deprive the squad of two players who had been part of the build-up, but the federation moved to preserve squad balance ahead of the tournament.
Morocco will assess the fitness and form of the newly called-up players during final training sessions, with the aim of maintaining competitive options across attack and defence. The replacements arrive with the expectation that they will be ready to step into roles if required during the group-stage campaign.
With FIFA’s approval now complete, Morocco’s delegation will finalise travel and administration matters for Sbai and Saadan to join the squad in time for the team’s remaining pre-tournament schedule.
Medical reports placed both original withdrawals on clear clinical grounds, and the Moroccan Football Federation has said it will continue to monitor the injured players’ recoveries with a view to their longer-term rehabilitation and potential return to national duty.
