Morocco have been dealt a tough hand as they take on the 2026 World Cup favorites, France, in Boston (Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts). The Atlas Lions will be without their leading goalscorer at the World Cup, as Ismael Saibari was ruled out for the quarterfinals clash by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
Although the weather forecast in Foxborough calls for a hot and humid afternoon, Morocco’s main adversity won’t be the insufferable summer heat in the Bay State. Instead, it will be the fact they will be facing a red-hot France. As Morocco and France gear up for battle, the confirmed lineups for the quarterfinals reveal Les Bleus will feature all the household names that send shivers down the spine of every team at the 2026 World Cup.
The Atlas Lions, though fierce and steadfast, may be no different. To make the climb even steeper, Saibari will be on the substitutes’ bench against France. However, considering Ouahbi’s statement on the striker’s health, it seems improbable he’ll be able to play. Who knows, though? If the Atlas Lions are in desperation mode, they may send their best forward into the pitch.
“Everyone is available, except Ismael Saibari. This match comes a bit too soon for him,” Ouahbi told reporters ahead of the quarterfinals against France, via Le 360. “He’s not ready, but I hope it’s not the end of the tournament for him.”
Ismael Saibari with Morocco’s team doctor.
What happened to Saibari?
Saibari lasted only 22 minutes on the pitch during Morocco’s 3-0 win over Canada in the Round of 16. After showing signs of discomfort and reaching for his right hamstring time and again, Saibari was replaced by Soufiane Rahimi, who put the cherry on top by scoring Morocco’s third goal of the afternoon.
Saibari’s injury didn’t look too severe and appeared to be more of a progressive tightening in the lower-body region than a sudden pop or tear. However, with the 2026 World Cup schedule giving teams little time to rest between games, Saibari couldn’t make a full recovery ahead of the matchup with France.
Should the Atlas Lions pull off the shocker and advance to the semifinals, they would avenge their 2022 World Cup semifinal loss, the furthest an African team has ever gone in tournament history. Moreover, it would give Saibari another chance to return to action. If Morocco lose, they will be eliminated, and it will be all she wrote for Saibari—the team’s leading goalscorer—and company.
Saibari’s stats at 2026 World Cup
So far in the tournament, Saibari had appeared in all five games for Morocco. Moreover, he scored three goals for his country during the group stage, leading his country in goals at the 2026 World Cup. Not only that, but his three goals are already the most ever scored by a Moroccan at a single World Cup.
Who will replace Saibari against France?
With Saibari sidelined by a lower-body injury, Morocco will have to change their plans. The Atlas Lions will bring Chemsdine Talbi into the starting XI to help offset Saibari’s absence. However, he may not play in Saibari’s usual role, which may instead be filled by Bilal El Khannouss or Brahim Diaz himself.
Although Soufiane Rahimi had been the main alternative to replace Saibari so far at the 2026 World Cup, he wasn’t the first option this time around. Instead, Rahimi will wait for his turn on the bench, just like Saibari.
