The Bayern Munich midfielder has been ruled out of Thursday’s showdown in Boston, though Morocco remain hopeful he could return if they progress.
Morocco has suffered a significant setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France, with influential midfielder Ismael Saibari ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury.
The Bayern Munich star picked up the injury during Morocco’s convincing 3-0 Round of 16 victory over Canada, forcing him to leave the pitch after just 22 minutes. Medical examinations conducted after the Atlas Lions arrived in Boston confirmed the injury is a hamstring strain.
While the setback is not expected to end the 25-year-old’s World Cup campaign, medical staff have determined he will not recover in time for Thursday’s high-stakes clash with France.
Saibari has been one of Morocco’s standout performers throughout the tournament, playing a pivotal role in the Atlas Lions’ impressive run to the last eight. The midfielder found the net in group-stage victories over Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, before confidently converting the decisive penalty in Morocco’s dramatic shootout victory over the Netherlands to book their place in the Round of 16.
Speaking ahead of the quarter-final, Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed Saibari is the only player unavailable for selection.
“Everyone is available except Saibari, with the match coming too early for him,” Ouahbi told reporters on Wednesday.
Despite the absence of one of their key creative players, Morocco will be aiming to continue their remarkable World Cup campaign when they face France in a blockbuster quarter-final.
The fixture also reignites one of African football’s most memorable recent rivalries. France ended Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with a semi-final victory, denying the Atlas Lions the chance to become the first African nation to reach a World Cup final.
Now, Morocco has an opportunity to avenge that defeat and take another historic step as they chase a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
