Morocco has received disappointing news ahead of their World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against France. Ismael Saibari, a key player and former PSV teammate of Dennis Man, who transferred to Bayern this summer, will not be available for the match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed, “He is not ready today; it’s too early… He has not fully recovered. But I hope he will be available for the next match.” This news follows Saibari’s injury during the first half of Morocco’s round of 16 match against Canada, which ended 3-0 in favor of Morocco.
Saibari sustained a thigh muscle injury in the match and was replaced by Soufiane Rahimi in the 22nd minute, with Rahimi scoring the closing goal in stoppage time to cap off a solid victory for the African team.
Interestingly, the midfielder was not involved in any contact with an opponent when he sustained the injury. Immediately after the incident, he reached for the back of his thigh, indicating severe pain.
Saibari’s Impressive World Cup Performance
Medical examinations revealed that Saibari had only a mild strain, but the anticipated swift recovery did not occur. Coach Ouahbi and his staff opted against rushing one of their most vital players back into action. Consequently, Rahimi will start in the offensive lineup again.
Saibari has had an excellent World Cup thus far, netting three goals in the group stage: one each against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Additionally, he converted the decisive penalty in the round of 16 match that advanced Morocco past the Netherlands.
