Morocco’s World Cup campaign took an unfortunate turn as their new Bayern Munich recruit, Ismael Saibari, sustained a serious injury early in their victory over Canada.

The Atlas Lions’ triumph was overshadowed when Saibari, aged 25, was forced to leave the pitch in the opening half. The midfielder, who had only recently completed a high-profile transfer to German powerhouse Bayern Munich, appeared deeply distraught as he made his way off the field.

Saibari’s World Cup hopes under threat

There is growing concern surrounding Saibari’s condition after his World Cup round of 16 encounter against Canada ended abruptly. The Bayern Munich newcomer had to be substituted after only 20 minutes, visibly in pain and unable to continue.

The Moroccan international was repeatedly seen clutching his right thigh before accepting that his night was over. With his face marked by agony, he headed straight down the tunnel, prompting head coach Mohamed Ouahbi to bring on Soufiane Rahimi — who later sealed the 3-0 win with the game’s final goal.

Bayern Munich anxious for medical updates

The timing of the injury could not be worse for either the player or his new club. Just days ago, Bayern Munich confirmed Saibari’s signing from PSV Eindhoven, with the midfielder putting pen to paper on a long-term deal lasting until 2031. Reports suggest the transfer is valued at around €50 million.

Saibari had been one of Morocco’s standout performers at the tournament, scoring three goals before the knockout rounds. His potential absence would be a huge setback to Morocco’s World Cup ambitions and a cause for concern for Bayern as they prepare for the upcoming Bundesliga season.

Awaiting official medical confirmation

The full extent of Saibari’s injury has yet to be determined. He is expected to undergo medical scans within hours to assess whether he can feature again in the 2026 World Cup.

If the injury proves to be a minor muscle strain, there remains hope he could return in the latter stages. However, a more serious muscle tear would likely end his tournament and disrupt his pre-season preparations in Munich. Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz’s excellent performance — contributing two assists after Saibari’s withdrawal — offers Morocco some tactical flexibility going forward.

Morocco advance to the quarter-finals

Despite the setback, Morocco cruised into the quarter-finals with a commanding display. They are set to face the winner of the France versus Paraguay tie. The convincing win further solidifies Morocco’s reputation as an emerging global football force, reaffirming that their remarkable 2022 Qatar run was no coincidence.

Coach Ouahbi’s men continue to demonstrate tactical discipline and mental resilience, but the loss of a player of Saibari’s calibre will challenge the depth of the squad. Fans and officials alike now await the medical update anxiously as Morocco prepare for their next big test on football’s grandest stage.