​Ismael Saibari sustained a thigh injury during Morocco’s 3-0 victory over Canada in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has not recovered in time to feature against France in the quarter-finals. With Saibari unavailable in Boston, Soufiane Rahimi is expected to lead the Moroccans’ attack. There is also uncertainty surrounding the involvement of Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad, with a late decision anticipated. If Riad cannot play, Redouane Halhal could partner Issa Diop at the heart of the Atlas Lions’ defence.
In midfield, several familiar names are set to feature for Morocco. Lille OSC’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, who captained France’s Under-21 side in March, is poised to start again in the engine room, while another France-born midfielder, Neil El Aynaoui—formerly of RC Lens—is also anticipated to take his place in the lineup. The expected starting XI includes Yassine Bounou in goal; a back line of Noussair Mazraoui, Redouane Halhal, Issa Diop, and Achraf Hakimi; a midfield pairing of Neil El Aynaoui and Ayyoub Bouaddi; and an attacking midfield trio of Bilal El-Khanouss, Azzedine Ounahi, and Brahim Diaz. Up front, Soufiane Rahimi is set to spearhead the attack. (Source: L’Équipe) GFFN | Luke Entwistle for better SEO.