Morocco’s Ismael Saibari Missing vs France Quarter‑Final

Saibari Pulled From Quarter‑Final

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed that star midfielder Ismael Saibari will not line up for Morocco’s clash with France on Thursday. The manager said all other players are “100 percent fit,” but the game arrives “too soon” for Saibari, who is nursing a hamstring issue. Ouahbi expressed hope that the 23‑year‑old won’t be sidelined for the rest of the tournament.

Why Saibari’s Absence Matters

Saibari has been one of the tournament’s brightest performers, scoring in each of Morocco’s three group matches and converting the winning penalty against the Netherlands in the round of 16. His injury occurred early in the 3‑0 win over Canada, where he left the field with a hamstring problem. The attacking midfielder’s departure forces Morocco to rely on alternatives such as striker Soufiane Rahimi, who netted the third goal in that victory.

Club Move Adds Context

The former PSV Eindhoven player joined Bayern Munich this summer on a five‑year contract for a reported €50 million ($57 million). That high‑profile transfer has raised expectations for his involvement, making his unexpected absence more striking. Despite the loss of Saibari, Bayern’s new signing can still showcase his talent on the international stage if called upon.

Morocco’s Quest for History

Morocco aims to avenge its 2‑0 defeat to France in the 2022 semi‑finals, the same clash Ouahbi watched as a fan. That 2022 run marked the first time an African or Arab nation reached the last four, and the Atlas Lions are now trying to equal that feat. Ouahbi, who took charge from Walid Regragui in March, insists the team will not accept the quarter‑final stop as a satisfactory result.

Player Outlook and Team Confidence

Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz, who shares a club berth with France’s Kylian Mbappé, believes Morocco can compete with the favourites. He highlighted the team’s ability to challenge top sides and expressed full confidence in the squad’s chances. The belief from a player accustomed to facing elite competition adds weight to Morocco’s ambition.

What Lies Ahead

Without Saibari, the focus will shift to experienced forwards like Soufiane Rahimi and any surprise selections from the bench. Morocco’s determination to push beyond the quarter‑final stage signals a potential upset, especially if the squad can replicate the resilience shown earlier in the tournament. The upcoming match will serve as both a test and an opportunity for the Atlas Lions to write another historic chapter.