Morocco have been dealt a major injury setback ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France, with influential forward Ismael Saibari ruled out of the clash through injury.

Atlas Lions head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed at his pre-match press conference that the 24-year-old has failed to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained during Morocco’s Round of 16 victory over Canada.

Saibari lasted just 11 minutes in Morocco’s 3-0 win before limping off injured, forcing Ouahbi into an early change as the midfielder was replaced after picking up the muscle problem.

The Morocco boss admitted the PSV Eindhoven star has not recovered in time for Thursday’s blockbuster encounter, handing the North Africans a significant blow as they chase a second successive World Cup semi-final appearance.

Saibari has been one of Morocco’s key performers throughout the tournament, with his absence expected to leave a huge void in the team’s attacking setup against the 2022 runners-up.

Morocco will now have to find a way past France without one of their most influential players as they bid to continue their historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.