Saibari, Morocco's big question mark against France

The quarterfinal match between Morocco and France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes with a question that worries Moroccan fans: will Ismael Saibari be able to play? The 25-year-old attacking midfielder injured his thigh in the first half of the 3-0 win over Canada in the round of 16, and since then his recovery has become a central issue for Mohamed Ouahbi's team

The injury and the medical report

The medical tests conducted after the match confirmed that Saibari could return before the end of the tournament, but the clash against France comes too soon. The coach himself acknowledged this on the eve of the match, ruling out his presence in the starting eleven. The player's absence complicates Morocco's options; Saibari has scored three goals in the World Cup, including the decisive penalty against the Netherlands, and his ability to play as a midfielder or forward makes him a key piece of the scheme.

Rahimi, the natural replacement

Given this absence, Ouahbi is forced to make changes. The most likely substitute is Soufiane Rahimi, a 30-year-old forward from Al-Ain, who already replaced Saibari against Canada and sealed the rout with the 0-3 in stoppage time. His experience and opportunism make him the logical choice to face a France that arrives with Mbappé and company in top form.

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