What Injury Does Ismael Saibari Have? Morocco Star Suffers Scare at FIFA World Cup 2026

The Bayern Munich's new signing was forced off early against Canada in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Here's the latest on his injury.

Morocco's place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals came with a significant setback.

Ismael Saibari was forced off just 22 minutes into Saturday's match against Canada after pulling up during an attacking play and immediately signaling for a substitution.

The attacking midfielder, who leads the Atlas Lions in scoring at this World Cup with three goals, was unable to continue and left the field in visible discomfort, raising serious questions about his availability for the remainder of the tournament.

WHAT INJURY DOES THE THE "MAROCCAN MARADONA" HAVE

Initial reports suggest Saibari suffered a muscle injury to the back of his right thigh, consistent with a hamstring strain.

The injury occurred during an attacking sequence that was later ruled offside.

After receiving medical treatment on the pitch, Morocco's coaching staff opted to replace him with Soufiane Rahimi as a precaution to avoid further damage. Although Morocco cruised to a 3-0 victory over Canada at Houston Stadium, the full extent of the injury will be determined after medical tests scheduled in the coming hours.

Saibari, who found the net against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti during the World Cup group stage, recently completed a move to Bayern Munich from the Bundesliga in a deal worth approximately $63 million (€55 million). The contract runs through 2031.

HAS ISMAEL SAIBARI DEALT WITH THIS INJURY BEFORE?

Before this match, Saibari had already overcome a similar muscular issue earlier this year. Between April and May, he missed approximately one month and three matches while playing for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie because of a muscle injury.

Earlier in his career, another undisclosed muscle problem sidelined him for 22 days during April and May of 2023, indicating a history of muscular setbacks.

However, Saibari's medical history also includes a congenital foot condition that complicated his early childhood and prevented him from walking normally until he was around two years old. He ultimately overcame the condition through orthopedic treatment.

That childhood condition is unrelated to the injury he sustained against Canada. Still, this latest setback comes at the peak of his career and at a crucial moment for Morocco, which has reached the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the second consecutive tournament.