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Rabat – As Morocco prepare for a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against France on Thursday in Boston, the contest has already begun to unfold beyond the pitch.
Early narratives from parts of the French media now raise questions about Morocco’s defensive setup, in what appears to be a familiar attempt to shape the atmosphere ahead of kickoff.
Attention has turned in recent days to Chadi Riad and the choices made by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi. A report in French sports daily L’Équipe casts doubt over the defender’s place in the lineup and revisits options tested during the previous match against Canada.
The outlet points to Redouane Halhal’s inclusion in that game and questions whether Morocco can afford uncertainty at the back against a French attack led by Kylian Mbappé.
Speculation does not stop there. The same report outlines alternative scenarios, including a possible tactical shift that would move Noussair Mazraoui into central defense.
Such projections suggest hesitation within the Moroccan camp, yet available information tells a more measured story.
Riad’s absence from the starting eleven against Canada had little to do with long-term fitness concerns. The defender had taken a knock to the knee during the earlier match against the Netherlands.
Medical staff, alongside Ouahbi, chose caution after a demanding series of fixtures that placed significant strain on the squad.
The coach addressed the situation clearly after Morocco secured a 3-0 win. “Chadi Riad was not at 100%. We preferred not to take any risk,” he said. The statement leaves little room for interpretation and frames the decision as a preventive measure rather than a forced change.
Ouahbi had already offered reassurance before that match, noting that the injury did not appear serious and that the player had trained with the group. At this point, no clear indication suggests that Riad will miss the upcoming clash against France.
If one case requires closer attention, it concerns Ismael Saibari. The attacker left the Canada match early due to a muscle issue and will undergo further medical tests in Boston. Early assessments suggest the injury may not prove severe, though final confirmation remains pending.
With a few days left before kickoff, the tone of the debate continues to shift. Questions, projections, and outside interpretations grow louder. Inside the Moroccan camp, the approach remains unchanged.
Decisions rely on medical evaluation and squad management rather than external commentary. The outcome of these discussions will find its answer on the pitch when Morocco meet France on Thursday night.
