Morocco boss Ouahbi concered by Mazraoui and Ezzalzouli injuries

Mohamed Ouahbi admitted he was concerned about the injuries sustained by Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli ahead of their World Cup campaign. 

Morocco played out their final pre-tournament friendly against Norway on Sunday, with Martin Odegaard’s 75th-minute equaliser sealing a 1-1 draw at Sports Illustrated Stadium. 

Brahim Diaz opened the scoring in the eighth minute, with the Real Madrid midfielder picking out the bottom-left corner after good work from Ezzalzouli down the left-hand side. 

But Mazraoui was replaced by Youssef Belammari just before the half-hour mark after suffering a shoulder injury, and it got worse for Morocco. 

Ezzalzouli, who had more shots (five), touches in the opposition box (four) and chances created (two) than any other Morocco player, sustained a leg injury and was substituted off at half-time, with Soufiane Rahimi introduced. 

And though Ouahbi was pleased by his team’s performance against Norway, he could not take his mind off the two players who came off injured. 

“We left a good impression despite not ​winning because we really showed some very good things against a ‌very ⁠good opponent,” Ouahbi told reporters.

“That’s the point of playing against teams like this. When you make so many changes, it’s difficult for the players, but ​it was important ​that we ⁠managed everyone’s playing time.

“Two players went off injured. We’re waiting to see how serious it ​is. I’m more concerned about that.”

صور مباراة منتخبنا الوطني أمام النرويج

Match moments: #DimaMaghrib #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/gCQcw6Pjtq

— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) June 8, 2026

Morocco begin their Group C campaign on June 13 against five-time champions Brazil, before taking on Scotland and Haiti in their other group fixtures at the World Cup. 

The Atlas Lions made history in Qatar four years ago, becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, where they lost 2-0 against France. 

This is also the first time in their history that Morocco have qualified for three consecutive editions of the World Cup.