Overview
- FIFA's squad listings updated Thursday removed central defender Nayef Aguerd and winger Abde Ezzalzouli from Morocco's 26-man roster and showed Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbai named as their replacements.
- Abde Ezzalzouli suffered a right-knee sprain in the friendly against Norway and has said on Instagram that missing the tournament is painful while pledging to work to return stronger.
- Nayef Aguerd, who had adductor surgery in March, was withdrawn in a decision made jointly with Moroccan staff to protect his long-term fitness and he publicly confirmed he was not ready to compete.
- The losses deprive Morocco of two regular starters from the CAN 2025 final and raise short-term selection and tactical questions ahead of Sunday’s opening group match with Brazil, with further doubts over Noussair Mazraoui and Anass Salah Eddine.
- Saadane joins from Al Fateh and Sbai from Angers as late call-ups, a move that preserves squad depth but pushes Morocco to adapt quickly and highlights the tradeoff between player welfare and World Cup readiness.