Morocco confirms injury to forward ahead of Brazil World Cup opener

Morocco will face Brazil in their World Cup 2026 group-stage opener without forward Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, who sustained a confirmed injury to the medial collateral ligament of his right knee during a preparatory match against Norway on Sunday.

Ezzalzouli, a left winger for Real Betis of Spain, was substituted at halftime of the 1-1 draw with Norway in New Jersey. Medical examinations confirmed the ligament injury, with initial assessments indicating he will be sidelined for three to four weeks, according to reports.

Morocco's technical staff has not yet decided whether to remove Ezzalzouli from the squad roster or retain him with the group in hopes of his recovery for the knockout stage. Any roster changes must occur within 24 hours before the team's first match. If retained, Ezzalzouli will miss Morocco's matches against Brazil on June 13, Scotland on June 19, and Haiti on June 24.

The injury occurred late in the first half when Morocco's defender Riad collided with a Norwegian player in the area and fell onto Ezzalzouli's knee. At the moment of the injury, Morocco led 1-0, but Norway equalized before the final whistle.

Morocco also faces uncertainty regarding lateral Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United, who was substituted in the 29th minute of the Norway match due to shoulder pain. The extent of Mazraoui's injury and his availability for the Brazil match remain under evaluation by the coaching staff.

With 37 appearances for Morocco's national team, Ezzalzouli is among the squad's primary offensive options. He previously had a brief spell at Barcelona before joining Real Betis.