Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd explains withdrawal ahead of World Cup opener

Aguerd, who earned his first cap for the Atlas Lions in a goalless friendly against Albania in 2016, will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being replaced in the national team squad by Marwane Saadane.

The Marseille defender was already a doubt heading into the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada. His departure from the squad was later confirmed by world governing body FIFA, with changes appearing on the team list.

Aguerd gives the main reason

“This is not a setback or a recurrence of my injury. On the contrary, I have been feeling better every day, and my injury is now behind me,” said Aguerd on social media after confirming his departure.

“However, together with the coaching staff, we felt that my current performance level was not yet enough for me to help the team as much as I would have liked during the group stage."

The Atlas Lions will enter the group stage without Aguerd as well as Abde Ezzalzouli, who sustained an injury during a friendly match against Norway on Sunday.

Aguerd had trained but had been troubled by injury for some time, while Ezzalzouli was forced off in the Norway friendly, with what has been diagnosed as a knee-ligament sprain.

“It became clear that I would not be physically ready at 100% for the start of the competition. This decision was made in agreement with the coaching staff, in the best interest of both the team and the competition,” added Aguerd.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Aguerd played all three group matches and the Round of 16 match against Spain alongside Romain Saiss, and Morocco conceded only once in those four matches, through an own goal by Aguerd.

However, he missed both the quarter-final victory over Portugal through injury and then the decisive match against France due to illness. He was withdrawn minutes before kick-off in the semi-final, despite having been listed in the official starting line-ups.

Aguerd concluded: “Unfortunately, that was not possible within the necessary timeframe. I am a player for the national team, but above all, I am also a supporter. And I will be behind them, just as you will.”

In 2023, Aguerd was among the 27 players selected by coach Walid Regragui to represent Morocco at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“Once again, thank you for your support.”

According to Morocco News, Marwane Saadane, who plays for Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia, has been called up as Aguerd’s replacement.

The 34-year-old defender brings experience and defensive depth to a Morocco squad that must now adjust quickly before facing one of the tournament’s toughest opponents.

Mazraoui declared fit

Meanwhile, Manchester United have confirmed that Noussair Mazraoui is available for Morocco’s opener against the five-time world champions.

According to a statement published on the Premier League club’s website, Mazraoui has overcome his injury concerns and could even be available for Morocco’s FIFA World Cup opener against Brazil.

The defender landed awkwardly on his shoulder during the friendly against Norway, sparking fears that his participation in the tournament might have been in doubt.

The statement read in part: “However, our no.3 has returned to training after working in the gym as a precaution. Nous has been carefully assessed by his nation's medical team and will be hoping to be available for a key fixture in Group C on Saturday.”

Morocco has a rich World Cup history, having qualified for the tournament seven times (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022 and 2026).

Their pinnacle came at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where they made worldwide headlines by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Morocco topped a tough group, eliminated Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds, and ultimately finished in fourth place. Apart from Brazil, Morocco will face Scotland and Haiti in the group stages.