World Cup 2026: Morocco Suffer Major Injury Blow Ahead Quarterfinal Clash With France
Retold by Oddsrama · 9 July 2026
Morocco's hopes of getting revenge on France in the World Cup quarterfinal have taken a significant hit with the loss of midfielder Ismael Saibari to injury. The 25-year-old Bayern Munich star was a crucial player in the group stage, netting in all three games — including the stunning 4-2 rout of Haiti — and he also delivered the decisive penalty kick in the knockout tie against the Netherlands. His early exit during the 3-0 win over Canada in the last 16 leaves the North Africans with a gaping hole in midfield as they look to finally get past the French side that stopped them in the 2022 semis.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed that Saibari's hamstring strain means he won't feature in the quarterfinal, though there remains a glimmer of hope he could return if Morocco navigate through. Without his goal threat and creativity, the Moroccan attack loses teeth at a critical moment. From a betting perspective, Saibari's absence weakens Morocco's offensive potency, which could well shift the odds in France's favour and appeal to backers of a French victory or larger winning margins.
France aren't entirely problem-free either, though their concern is less severe. Winger Michael Olise, who has been influential with five assists so far, will carry a yellow card into the quarterfinal after his controversial booking in the 1-0 win over Paraguay. FIFA refused to overturn the card despite Paraguay receiving none themselves in a fiery match in Philadelphia. One more caution and Olise sits out the semifinal — a real risk factor for Didier Deschamps' squad planning. Meanwhile, the inconsistency in card distribution across the tournament continues to raise eyebrows, especially after the Folarin Balogun red-card reversal, though France won't get the same reprieve.
With Saibari sidelined and France's attacking depth intact, the quarterfinal shapes as a significant advantage to the defending champions come Thursday evening in Boston.
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