Hamza Igamane celebrates in Morocco’s colors during AFCON 2025, as the forward prepares to return for the knockout stage. Photo Credit: Laloumance/wikimedia
Hamza Igamane’s World Cup dream has been dealt a major blow. French club Lille OSC have confirmed that the Moroccan international has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, an injury that will keep him sidelined for several months and seriously jeopardize his participation in the upcoming World Cup.
A devastating diagnosis confirmed by Lille
The verdict is now official for Hamza Igamane. Following medical examinations carried out after the Africa Cup of Nations final, Lille announced that their 23-year-old striker is suffering from a serious knee injury.
“The examinations unfortunately confirmed a severe injury. Hamza Igamane has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee,” the Ligue 1 club said in an official statement.
The injury occurred during the AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Igamane, who came on as a substitute in the 98th minute of extra time, was forced to leave the pitch just five minutes later after a collision with the opposing goalkeeper.
Months on the sidelines and World Cup hopes fading
Lille confirmed that the Moroccan forward will be unavailable for several months, a timeline that effectively rules him out of immediate competition and casts serious doubt over his ability to recover in time for the next World Cup.
This news comes as a major setback for both the player and the Moroccan national team, who were counting on Igamane as a potential attacking option for future international fixtures.
Regragui’s fears confirmed
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui had expressed his concerns immediately after the final.
“I think Hamza Igamane has torn his cruciate ligaments. It has nothing to do with his previous injury. He may have lost another six months of his season,” Regragui said at the time.
Igamane had already suffered an injury a few weeks before the start of AFCON 2025 but was still included in the squad as a reserve option due to his potential impact.
A disrupted season for club and country
The former AS FAR striker, who joined Lille at the start of the season from Rangers, now sees his momentum abruptly halted once again.
Lille assured that the club would provide full support throughout his rehabilitation process, stating that it will “accompany the player as best as possible to ensure he returns stronger and more determined alongside his teammates.”
In Igamane’s absence, Lille coach Bruno Génésio is expected to rely on Olivier Giroud to lead the attack, while Walid Regragui will turn to the attacking trio of Ayoub El Kaabi, Youssef En-Nesyri and Soufiane Rahimi for upcoming matches.
