Rabat – Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been overshadowed by injury concerns after key players Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Noussair Mazraoui were forced off during Sunday’s friendly against Norway.
With less than a week remaining before the Atlas Lions open their campaign against Brazil on June 13, the fitness of several starters has become a major talking point, although head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has since confirmed that Mazraoui is expected to be available for the highly anticipated Group Stage clash.
Morocco received encouraging news on defender Noussair Mazraoui after injury concerns emerged during the team’s final warm-up match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions drew 1-1 with Norway in their last preparation game before the tournament kicks off this week in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Many supporters expressed concern over the timing of the injuries, with Morocco less than a week away from its opening World Cup match.
Mazraoui was forced off in the 29th minute after taking a blow to his shoulder, while Ezzalzouli was substituted at halftime because of a leg injury. The incidents raised fears that both players could miss Morocco’s first group-stage match.
Speaking after the game, Morocco head coach Ouahbi sought to calm concerns about Mazraoui’s condition. “He received a punch to the shoulder,” Ouahbi told reporters. “He will be available for the next match against Brazil.”
The update comes as a major relief for Morocco, as Mazraoui is expected to play an important role in the team’s World Cup campaign. The situation remains less clear for Ezzalzouli. Ouahbi said the winger will undergo medical tests to determine the nature and severity of his injury.
Morocco is also monitoring the fitness of defender Nayef Aguerd. Aguerd is following a medical recovery program aimed at preparing him for Morocco’s upcoming World Cup matches, said the coach.
Morocco took an early lead against Norway but conceded an equalizer with 15 minutes remaining, settling for a 1-1 draw. While the result itself was not a major concern, the injuries to key players became the main talking point as the Atlas Lions enter the final days before their highly anticipated World Cup opener against Brazil.
