Morocco's Saibari Sidelined for World Cup Quarterfinal Clash

WHO:

Al Jazeera - Ismael Saibari, Morocco's star forward

Al Jazeera - Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco's coach

Al Jazeera - Soufiane Rahimi, Moroccan striker

Al Jazeera - Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid player from Morocco

WHAT:

Al Jazeera - Ismael Saibari will miss the World Cup quarterfinal match against France due to a hamstring injury.

Al Jazeera - Saibari sustained the injury during the last-16 match against Canada.

Al Jazeera - Saibari has joined Bayern Munich from PSV Eindhoven for a reported fee of 50 million euros ($57 million).

Al Jazeera - Saibari scored in each of Morocco's three group games and converted the winning penalty against the Netherlands in the last 32.

Al Jazeera - Soufiane Rahimi scored Morocco's third goal after coming on for Saibari in the match against Canada.

Al Jazeera - Ouahbi stated that the team aims to win the game against France and progress to the semifinals.

WHERE:

Al Jazeera - The quarterfinal match will take place in Boston.

WHEN:

Al Jazeera - The quarterfinal match against France is scheduled for Thursday.

WHY:

Al Jazeera - Ouahbi dismissed the notion that reaching the quarterfinals is a success, emphasizing the team's desire to win the upcoming match.

HOW:

Al Jazeera - Ouahbi expressed hope that Saibari's absence is not the end of his tournament participation, indicating a potential return if Morocco progresses.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 08:10 UTC)

Morocco's star forward Ismael Saibari will miss the upcoming World Cup quarterfinal match against France due to a hamstring injury he sustained during the last-16 match against Canada. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi remains optimistic about the team's chances, emphasizing their goal to win the match scheduled for Thursday in Boston, while also hoping that Saibari might return if Morocco advances. Soufiane Rahimi, who scored Morocco's third goal in the previous match, will be stepping in for Saibari as the team aims for a spot in the semifinals.