Morocco Loses Ez Abde and Aguerd Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Injuries rule out the Betis winger and the Marseille defender; Regragui calls up Sbai and Saadane as replacements.

Important loss for Morocco

The Moroccan national team received a harsh blow on the eve of the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This Thursday, it was officially confirmed that Ez Abde will not be able to participate in the World Cup due to a sprain in the ligament of his right knee, an injury sustained in the friendly match against Norway.

Hopes and another injury

Initially, the coaching staff had decided to keep him on the call-up list in the hope that he could be available for the knockout stages. However, the latest medical tests revealed a more complex situation; the Real Betis winger will have to undergo an estimated recovery period of four to six weeks, which leaves him with no chance of participating in the tournament.

Abde's absence adds to that of defender Nayef Aguerd, a player for Olympique de Marseille, who was also ruled out due to injury. Two absences that force coach Walid Regragui to reassemble his defensive and offensive scheme in the final countdown to the debut.

Possible replacements

To fill the gaps, Morocco called up Amine Sbai, forward from Angers, and Marwane Saadane, midfielder from Al Fateh in Saudi Arabia. Both arrive as emergency replacements, with the mission of bringing freshness and commitment to a squad that now must reinvent itself.

The news hits especially hard because Abde had been one of the standout players for Betis in the last season, establishing himself as a key piece in the attack. His absence not only affects Morocco on the field but also emotionally, as he was considered one of the team's most promising talents.