Morocco predicted XI v France: Ismael Saibari out, Soufiane Rahimi in | OneFootball

Ismael Saibari injured his thigh during the 3-0 win over Canada in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has not recovered in time to face France in the quarter-finals. 

In Saibari’s absence in Boston, it is Soufiane Rahimi who is expected to lead the line for Morocco. There is also a doubt pertaining to the participation of Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad. A late decision will be taken. In his absence, it could be Redouane Halhal who starts alongside Issa Diop in the heart of the Atlas Lions’ defence. 

There will be some familiar names in Morocco’s midfield. Lille OSC’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, who captained France’s U21s back in March, will once again start in the midfield, whilst another France-born midfielder, Neil El Aynaoui, formerly of RC Lens, is also expected to start.

Morocco likely line-up v France

Yassine Bounou; Noussair Mazraoui, Redouane Halhal, Issa Diop, Achraf Hakimi; Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi; Bilal El-Khanouss, Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Diaz; Soufiane Rahimi. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle