Morocco will be without one of its biggest attacking threats when it faces France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal. Ismael Saibari has officially been ruled out of Thursday’s match due to a hamstring injury.
The Atlas Lions take on France in a highly anticipated quarterfinal showdown in Boston, but Saibari will not be available after suffering a hamstring injury during Morocco’s 3-0 Round of 16 victory over Canada.
Why Isn’t Ismael Saibari Playing Against France?
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed that Saibari has not recovered in time for the quarterfinal.
The midfielder sustained a hamstring injury in the Round of 16 and was forced off before the end of the match. While the injury is not believed to be serious enough to end his tournament, the coaching staff has opted not to risk him against France.
Ouahbi said the quarterfinal comes too soon for Saibari’s recovery, leaving Morocco without one of its most influential players.
Ismael Saibari’s Impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Saibari has been one of Morocco’s standout performers throughout the tournament. Before his injury, he had played a key role in the team’s historic run to the quarterfinals by:
- Scoring in all three group-stage matches.
- Converting the winning penalty in Morocco’s Round of 32 shootout victory over the Netherlands.
- Helping Morocco advance comfortably past Canada in the Round of 16.
His creativity, movement, and finishing ability have made him one of Morocco’s most dangerous attacking players.
Who Will Replace Ismael Saibari?
With Saibari unavailable, Morocco is expected to turn to Soufiane Rahimi in the starting lineup.
Rahimi replaced Saibari after the injury against Canada and made an immediate impact by scoring late in the match. His experience and pace provide Morocco with another dangerous attacking option against a talented French side.
Can Saibari Return Later in the Tournament?
Yes. Although he will miss the quarterfinal against France, reports indicate the hamstring injury is not expected to end his World Cup.
If Morocco defeats France and advances to the semifinals, Saibari could potentially return depending on his recovery.
Morocco Faces Tough Test Against France
Morocco enters the quarterfinal seeking another historic result against one of the tournament favorites. Despite missing Saibari, the Atlas Lions have shown remarkable depth throughout the competition and will look to continue their impressive World Cup run.
France, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on Morocco’s absence of one of its most dangerous attacking players as both nations battle for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
Final Thoughts
Ismael Saibari will not play for Morocco against France in today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal due to a hamstring injury suffered in the Round of 16. While his absence is a significant blow for the Atlas Lions, Morocco remains hopeful that the talented midfielder can return later in the tournament should they advance beyond the quarterfinals.