Abde Ezzalzouli Injury: Report says MCL Sprain Will Keep Morocco Star Out of 2026 World Cup

What happened, and why it matters

Abde Ezzalzouli, Morocco's 24‑year‑old winger, was substituted during the international friendly with Norway on June 7, 2026 (the match finished 1‑1). According to Moroccan journalist Hanif Ben Berkane and reported by World Soccer Talk, Ezzalzouli has been diagnosed with a sprain of the internal knee ligament — described in the report as the medial collateral ligament (MCL) — and faces a 3–4 week recovery period. That timeline, if accurate, would be expected to rule him out of Morocco's squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Why it matters for Morocco

The report frames Ezzalzouli as one of Morocco's most decisive attacking players. His reported absence ahead of the tournament would force head coach Mohamed Ouahbi to reshuffle attacking responsibilities in a squad that is due to face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti at the World Cup, according to the same article. Losing a player noted for change of pace and dribbling would alter Morocco's tactical options on the flanks and place more creative burden on other attackers named in the report.

Immediate context: the friendly against Norway

Match data confirms Morocco drew 1‑1 with Norway in an international friendly on 7 June 2026, during which Ezzalzouli was substituted. The World Soccer Talk piece cites that substitution as the moment concerns were raised and that medical assessment in the hours after the match led to the reported MCL sprain diagnosis.

Squad implications and possible replacements

The report suggests that, without Ezzalzouli, much of Morocco's attacking responsibility would fall to Brahim Diaz, who is described as capable of orchestrating attacks and contributing goals. It also notes that Soufiane Rahimi would be expected to step up on the flank, while Noussair Mazraoui’s own fitness situation is mentioned elsewhere in the report. The article says Youssef Belammari could be drafted into the starting lineup if other players remain unavailable.

• Source: World Soccer Talk cites Moroccan journalist Hanif Ben Berkane reporting an internal knee (MCL) sprain for Abde Ezzalzouli.
• Reported recovery timeline: 3–4 weeks, per the same report.
• Ezzalzouli was substituted in Morocco's 1–1 friendly with Norway on 7 June 2026 (match_data confirms result and date).
• The report says a 3–4 week layoff would likely rule him out of Morocco’s 2026 World Cup squad.
• The article highlights Brahim Diaz and Soufiane Rahimi as players who would shoulder more attacking responsibility if Ezzalzouli is absent.

What we do and do not know

What is known from the available reporting: the substitution in the Norway friendly (Morocco 1‑1) and the journalist's claim of an MCL or 'internal knee ligament' sprain with a 3–4 week expected recovery. What is not confirmed in the sources available to this article: an official medical release from the Morocco Football Federation, the club medical team, details of imaging or the exact clinical grade of the sprain, and an official squad decision naming Ezzalzouli as unavailable for the 2026 World Cup. Given those missing confirmations, this report should be treated as provisional until official medical or federation statements are published.

What happens next

If the 3–4 week timeline stands, Morocco will need to finalise contingency plans for their attacking setup ahead of the World Cup. Coaching staff will likely reassess selection and match preparation once the federation issues any official medical updates. Supporters and media should look for confirmation from Morocco’s medical team or an official squad announcement for final verification.