Morocco Suffers Blow as Aguerd and Ezzalzouli Ruled Out for World Cup Match Against Brazil
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Morocco’s World Cup 2026 squad faces a major setback after defenders Nayef Aguerd and Youssef Ezzalzouli withdrew from the tournament, according to multiple French sports outlets. The announcement, first reported by L’Équipe on June 11, 2026, comes ahead of Morocco’s highly anticipated Group C clash against Brazil, raising concerns about the team’s defensive stability.
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Aguerd, 33, a key figure for both the Moroccan national team and Marseille in Ligue 1, and Ezzalzouli, 25, a rising star at Lorient, both declared forfait due to undisclosed reasons. The decision was confirmed by Ouest-France and RMC Sport, though no official statement from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has been released. The news follows reports from Yahoo Actualités that three Moroccan players were absent from training sessions, fueling speculation about the extent of the squad’s injury crisis.
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Aguerd, who has made 67 appearances for Morocco since 2016, has been a consistent presence in the team’s backline, particularly during the 2022 World Cup campaign. His absence leaves a significant void, as he partnered with Achraf Hakimi in the 2022 quarterfinal run. Ezzalzouli, meanwhile, has emerged as a promising central defender, earning 14 caps for the Atlas Lions since his debut in 2023. His withdrawal complicates Morocco’s plans to maintain a balanced defense ahead of their opening match against Brazil on June 15.
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What impact does this have on Morocco’s squad?
The loss of Aguerd and Ezzalzouli threatens to disrupt Morocco’s tactical setup, as both players are integral to the team’s defensive structure. Coach Walid Regragui, who guided Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semifinals, may now rely on lesser-known options such as Achraf Dari of Rennes or Youssef En-Neyah of Al-Hilal. The FRMF has not yet named replacements, but sources suggest that players from the domestic league or lower-tier European clubs could be called upon.
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What comes next for the Moroccan team?
The FRMF is expected to issue an official statement within 24 hours, according to L’Équipe. Meanwhile, Morocco’s remaining fixtures in Group C—against Brazil, Serbia, and Switzerland—remain unchanged. The team’s ability to adapt will be tested, as Brazil’s attacking trio of Neymar, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo poses a significant threat. Morocco’s previous encounters with Brazil, including a 2018 World Cup group-stage meeting, highlight the challenge of facing the five-time champions.
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How have the outlets framed this development?
While L’Équipe and Ouest-France emphasized the strategic implications of the withdrawals, RMC Sport focused on the uncertainty surrounding the players’ conditions. Yahoo Actualités noted that three players were missing from training, though it did not specify their identities. The lack of clarity has prompted calls for transparency from fans and analysts alike, with some questioning whether the FRMF is underplaying the severity of the situation.
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What precedents exist for such last-minute absences?
Morocco’s 2022 World Cup campaign saw similar challenges, including the injury of key midfielder Sofyan Amrabat ahead of the quarterfinal. That absence forced Regragui to restructure his midfield, ultimately leading to a 0-0 draw with Portugal before a penalty shootout loss. The current situation, however, involves two defenders, a position where depth is critical. Analysts at Ouest-France pointed out that Morocco’s current squad lacks immediate replacements with the same level of international experience as Aguerd and Ezzalzouli.
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The World Cup 2026 tournament, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 8, with Morocco’s first match against Brazil set for June 15. The team’s preparation has already been disrupted by the withdrawals, adding pressure on the coaching staff to stabilize the defense. As the countdown to the tournament continues, the FRMF faces the challenge of maintaining morale while navigating an unexpected crisis.