Morocco is concerned about the injuries to starters Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Noussair Mazraoui, who could be forced out in Sunday’s opening World Cup match against Brazil.
Both got off to an early start in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Norway in their final warm-up match before kicking off this week’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Ezzalzouli was substituted at half-time after a leg injury, while Mazraoui left in the 29th minute with a shoulder problem after a tough encounter in which Morocco took an early lead but Norway equalized with 15 minutes to go.
“Despite not winning, we left a good impression because we showed really good things against a very good opponent,” coach Mohamed Ouahbi told reporters.
“That’s the point of playing against teams like these. When you make so many changes (10 in total) it’s hard for the player, but it was important that we could control everyone’s playing time.
«Two players went out injured. We are waiting to see how serious it is. I am more concerned about that,» the coach added.
Morocco was a surprising semi-finalist at the last World Cup and has high expectations of another strong performance during the 2026 final.
Morocco open proceedings in Group D with the clash against five-time champions Brazil at the New Jersey Stadium.
Published on June 8, 2026
