Morocco Rules Out Ismael Saibari For France Quarter-Final Due to Injury

Morocco have suffered a major setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against France, with in-form forward Ismael Saibari ruled out because of a hamstring injury. The PSV Eindhoven player sustained the injury during Morocco’s 3-0 Round of 16 victory over Canada and has failed to recover in time for the clash. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said Saibari was not ready to play but expressed hope that his tournament was not over.

Saibari has been one of Morocco’s standout performers at the World Cup, scoring in all three group-stage matches before converting the decisive penalty in the shootout victory over the Netherlands in the Round of 32. Despite losing one of his key attacking players, Ouahbi insisted that Morocco would not abandon the playing style that has taken them into the last eight and said there would be no major tactical surprises against France.

Ouahbi said Morocco would look to hurt France whenever they had possession while remaining patient in their attacking approach. He explained that the team would search for opportunities both through the centre and on the wings rather than relying on one area of the pitch. The coach added that Morocco had already shown they could trouble any opponent and would enter the quarter-final with the same confidence and clear footballing identity.

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The match is a repeat of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco’s historic run with a 2-0 victory. Ouahbi, however, said the upcoming encounter would have a different context and history, noting that both teams had evolved significantly over the past four years. He said Morocco now had a different team and would also face a stronger and changed French side compared with the previous tournament.

Ouahbi also rejected suggestions that reaching the quarter-finals should already be considered a successful achievement for Morocco. He said the team would assess its performance only after the tournament and would not be satisfied with praise for reaching the last eight. While acknowledging that France may enter the match as favourites, the coach insisted Morocco would do everything possible to win, adding that the real objective was to lift the World Cup.

France arrive in Foxborough with a perfect record after winning all five of their matches at the tournament. Kylian Mbappé has scored seven goals and leads an attack that also features Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola. Morocco are unbeaten in 10 matches since January’s Africa Cup of Nations final and will seek their first victory over France after four defeats and two draws in six previous meetings. The winners will face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals.

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