Morocco suffer major injury blow in USA before World Cup opener

13.06.26 FT World Cup

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Morocco faces a major tactical dilemma ahead of World Cup 2026 after a key defender limped off during a Sunday 7 Jun friendly in the USA.

Read Also: Africa’s World Cup injury list: The stars ruled out and those racing to be fit

A devastating first half exit

The North African giants were finalizing their tactical shape for a demanding Group C schedule featuring Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti when their plans unexpectedly unraveled.

Just 28 minute into their exhibition clash against Norway, Manchester United full back Noussair Mazraoui went down with a concerning muscle injury.

To prevent aggravating the physical damage ahead of the global showpiece hosted across North America, manager Mohamed Ouahbi immediately withdrew the Red Devils defender from the pitch.

Tactical reshuffle on the flank

Because Achraf Hakimi completely commands the right side of the pitch, Mazraoui was operating as a makeshift left back against the Norwegians, a versatile role he frequently masters.

His sudden exit forced Ouahbi to instantly adapt, deploying Al Ahly’s Youssef Belammari to secure the defensive flank. This medical setback is particularly frustrating given Mazraoui’s blistering recent form.

During the previous warm up fixture against Madagascar, he was an absolute standout providing a pinpoint assist and rattling the crossbar with a ferocious strike.

The Moroccan medical team is now scrambling to assess the damage, desperately hoping to have him cleared for next Sunday's vital group stage opener against Brazil.

Echoes of a familiar pre-tournament heartbreak

This agonizing waiting game draws an immediate, painful parallel to the heartbreak Amine Harit endured right before the historic 2022 campaign in Qatar.

Just one week before that tournament began, Harit suffered a severe knee ligament injury while playing for Olympique de Marseille, cruelly ruling him out of Morocco's magical semi final run.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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