1 of 5 | Forward/midfielder Ismael Saibari scored in all three of Morocco's group stage games at the 2026 World Cup. File Photo by CJ Gunther/UPI | License Photo
July 9 (UPI) -- Morocco will be without top scorer Ismael Saibari in Thursday's World Cup quarterfinal match against France, coach Mohamed Ouahbi announced.
Saibari sustained a hamstring injury in the Moroccans' 3-0 Round of 16 win over Canada. The forward/midfielder scored in each of Morocco's group-stage games. He started all five of the Moroccans' 2026 World Cup matches.
Saibari, 25, was replaced by Soufiane Rahimi in the 22nd minute Saturday against the Canadians.
Rahimi then scored the Moroccans' final goal in stoppage time of the Round of 16 match. He is tied with Azzedine Ounahi as Morocco's second-leading scorer -- with two goals.
