Sofia Quijada
Morocco face real injury concerns over two key starters ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener against Brazil on Sunday. Noussair Mazraoui and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli both left the field early during the 1-1 draw with Norway in Morocco’s final warm-up match before the tournament.
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Mazraoui departed in the 29th minute with a shoulder problem, while Ezzalzouli was substituted at half-time after picking up a leg injury. The match itself saw Morocco take an early lead before Norway equalised with 15 minutes remaining. The coaching staff made 10 changes in total throughout the game.
“We left a good impression despite not winning because we really showed some very good things against a very good opponent,” coach Mohamed Ouahbi told reporters. “That’s the point of playing against teams like this. When you make so many changes (10 in total), it’s difficult for the player but it was important that we managed everyone’s playing time. Two players went off injured. We’re waiting to see how serious it is. I’m more concerned about that.”
Morocco were surprise semi-finalists at the last World Cup and carry genuine ambitions into the 2026 finals. Their campaign opens in Group D against five-time champions Brazil at the MetLife Stadium. The fitness of Mazraoui and Ezzalzouli will be the central question over the coming days as the squad finalises preparations for what is already a demanding first fixture.
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