Hamza Igamane's ACL injury puts FIFA World Cup hopes in doubt

Lille striker Hamza Igamane has suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, the Ligue 1 club announced on Monday, casting uncertainty over his FIFA World Cup 2026 participation this year.

The 23-year-old was sitting on the bench when Senegal won the final 1-0, and he entered extra time as the sixth substitute. He survived seven minutes during which he was injured, and Walid Regragui was left to complete the match with 10 men.

Lille confirmed that Hamza Igamane has suffered a serious ACL tear in his right knee.

"Tests carried out on the player have unfortunately confirmed a serious injury. Hamza Igamane has indeed suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee," Lille said in a statement.

The statement further added that Igamane will miss several months, putting his 2026 World Cup participation for Morocco in doubt.

"Hamza will be unavailable for several months," it added, with the injury coming five months before the 2026 World Cup, where Morocco will face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C.

Igamane, who joined Lille from Rangers in the close season, has scored nine goals in 21 games for the French side in all competitions.

This blow makes Morocco even more disappointed following the defeat in the final on home turf. In the case of Igamane, the only hurdle now is how to come out stronger than before after such a long absence, with the hope of being back on the field soon.