Abde Ezzalzouli is set to be dropped from Morocco’s national team squad for the 2026 World Cup following a serious injury sustained on Sunday during a friendly match against Norway.
The Real Betis forward was forced to leave the pitch at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey just minutes before halftime, falling victim to a violent tackle during a corner kick.
Medical Diagnosis and Recovery Timeline
Ezzalzouli underwent extensive medical examinations on Monday morning. The verdict is in: the player is suffering from a sprain of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his knee, a serious injury that will require a lengthy rehabilitation period.
The 26-year-old will need 3 to 4 weeks of rest before he can play again. This setback has forced head coach Mohamed Ouahbi to officially rule him out and call up a replacement player for the global tournament.
A Massive Loss for the Atlas Lions
This withdrawal comes as a devastating blow to Morocco, especially given that the winger is currently enjoying the best form of his career—so much so that he has attracted interest from numerous European giants ahead of the summer transfer window.
The former FC Barcelona player enjoyed a stratospheric season under Manuel Pellegrini, netting 15 goals and providing 13 assists in 43 matches across all competitions, helping Real Betis return to the Champions League after a decades-long absence.
