Daijiworld Media Network - Boston

Boston, Jul 9: Morocco have suffered a major setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against France, with star forward Ismael Saibari ruled out due to a hamstring injury, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed.

Saibari sustained the injury after being substituted in the 22nd minute of Morocco's 3-0 Round of 16 victory over Canada in Houston. Despite undergoing medical assessments in recent days, the 25-year-old has failed to recover in time for Friday's clash at Boston Stadium.

Speaking ahead of the match, Ouahbi said Saibari would miss the quarterfinal but expressed hope that the forward could return later in the tournament.

"Everyone is available except Saibari, with the match coming too early for him. Although he's not out for the rest of the tournament, I hope. We will only select players who are fully fit," the coach said.

Saibari has been Morocco's standout performer in the tournament, scoring three goals during the group stage against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. He also converted the decisive penalty in the Round of 32 victory over the Netherlands to help Morocco progress.

Al Ain striker Soufiane Rahimi is expected to replace Saibari in the starting lineup after scoring in the Round of 16 win over Canada and earlier against Haiti.

Ouahbi expressed confidence in the depth of his squad, saying players coming off the bench had consistently made an impact throughout the competition.

Morocco will be aiming to avenge their 2-0 semifinal defeat to France at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the tournament's last four.