Morocco opens the quarterfinal stage of the 2026 World Cup against France at Boston Stadium on Thursday, July 10. However, the Atlas Lions will play without striker Ismael Saibari, one of their most potent offensive threats for the tournament’s biggest match.
Saibari will not be available for the contest against France because of an injury. The forward experienced hamstring discomfort during Morocco’s 3‑0 Round‑of‑16 victory over Canada, which forced him off the pitch at the 22nd minute. He has not yet recovered in time for the quarterfinal clash with Les Bleus.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi tisked the situation at Wednesday’s pre‑match press conference: “Everyone is available for the match, except for Ismail Saibari, for whom this game comes too soon,” he said, adding, “although he is not ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, we hope he will recover in time.”
Saibari has emerged as a standout performer in the competition, bringing the form he displayed with PSV Eindhoven during the 2025‑26 season straight into the World Cup. He netted in every group‑stage match and converted the decisive penalty in the shootout win over the Netherlands in the Round‑of‑32.
Ismael Saibari #ашә ( يح ) reacts after sustaining an injury against Canada.
His exploits have attracted significant interest off thecontenido,, culminating in Bayern Munich’s signing of him in the middle of the tournament పెట్టుచున్నదు. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the deal, finalized for a €55 million fee, ranks as the second‑most expensive transfer involving a Moroccan player – only €60 million was paid by PSG for Achraf Hakimi.
Who will replace Saibari against France?
Having missed the 2022 World Cup, Saibari has established himself as Morocco’s first‑choice striker, registering 12 goals in 35 international caps. Two names emerge as potential replacements against France.
The candidate frontrunner is Soufiane Rahimi, who has come off the bench in each of Saibari’s absences during the tournament, adding time against Brazil, Scotland, and Canada, where he scored a goal and delivered an assist. The second option, although judged less likely, is Ayoub El Kaabi, who featured against Haiti when qualification was already secured and the stakes were lower.
