In an official statement, the Moroccan federation explains the reasons for excluding Akrad and Zelzouli

The Moroccan Football Federation clarified the details of the exclusion of Nayef Akrad and Abdel Samad Zalzoul from the list of Atlas Lions participating in the 2026 World Cup in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

Morocco coach Mohamed Webb dropped Akrad and Zalzouli from the final 26-man squad on Thursday and replaced them with Amin Siba and Marwan Saada, days before the team’s first game at the World Cup, as per tournament regulations.

And it happened Seismic and:Kurdish They talked about the scenes of their exclusion from the list on social media platforms through their personal accounts.

The Moroccan national team is preparing to face its Brazilian counterpart in the third group of the tournament, which started yesterday, Thursday evening, in the confrontation expected at dawn next Sunday.

The Moroccan Federation announced today, Friday, on its official pages on social networks. “A few days after the team’s participation in the finals of the 2026 World Cup, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation confirms that the general health of the team members is encouraging, as most of the players continue their preparation in good conditions and in accordance with the established preparation program. Moroccan fans.”

The federation added that as part of the careful and continuous medical monitoring of the national team players, the medical staff informs the national public opinion and the Moroccan fans about the latest developments regarding the health status of some players.

After Abdel Samad Al Zalzouli underwent a series of specialized medical tests, it was revealed that he has suffered a sprain at the level of his right knee accompanied by a tear of the medial collateral ligament, an injury that will require long-term treatment and rehabilitation, which will prevent him from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As for Nayef Akrad, his health condition has noticeably improved in recent weeks thanks to the treatment and rehabilitation program he has undergone. Despite the recorded positive development, the remaining period before the start of the competition is not enough to fully restore his physical and competitive readiness, so that he can perform in the best conditions in the tournament.

The Moroccan federation stressed that based on approved medical reports and to ensure the full fitness of the group since the start of the competition, coach Mohamed Wehbe decided to invite players Amine Siba and Marwan Saadai to join the final 26-man roster.

It is noteworthy that Amine Sibayi and Marouane Sadane participated in the last preparatory meeting of the Moroccan national team as part of the reserve list, and they showed their commitment and readiness to join the group at this important stage.

The Moroccan federation has confirmed that it continues to closely monitor the health of the players, wishing Abdel Samad Al Zalzouli and Naif Akrad a speedy recovery and a speedy return to the field.

The federation concluded its statement by emphasizing that despite the absence of the duo on this International Football Day, they will remain an essential part of the national team family and will continue to support and support their colleagues at this historic stage, believing in the group spirit and values ​​that distinguish the Atlas Lions in various matches.