Ismael Saibari was not in the starting line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France in Boston on Thursday.
The striker had scored in all three group matches as the Atlas Lions finished second in Group C behind Brazil.
The Bayern Munich forward was then taken off midway through the round of 16 against Canada, which the team won 3-0.
The 25-year-old forward went down in the 21st minute after what appeared to be a muscle injury and ultimately had to be replaced by Soufiane Rahimi.
Moroccan head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed the striker will not return for the match against France but hoped he would be fit for the final two rounds if the side progressed.
“He is not ready yet, but I hope this is not the end of the tournament for him,” Ouahbi told a news conference.
Published on July 10, 2026
