2026 World Cup opens in Mexico's iconic Azteca Stadium
via Le Matin4 min read
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, kicks off with a match between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium. The opening ceremony will feature performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, and Maná, alongside over 500 dancers and mariachis. The Azteca Stadium makes history as the first venue to host the opening match of three different World Cups, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986. This edition marks a significant expansion, with 48 teams competing across 104 matches, a first for the tournament. FIFA has planned three separate opening ceremonies to honor each host nation. Following the Mexico opener, Toronto will host Canada's ceremony and a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Los Angeles will feature a concert with Katy Perry and Future before Team USA plays Paraguay. The tournament introduces a new group stage format with 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 32. This expanded format aims to democratize football by including more nations. A highly anticipated group stage match is Brazil versus Morocco on June 13 in New York-New Jersey. Morocco, historic semi-finalists in 2022, will also play Scotland in Boston on June 19 and Haiti in Atlanta on June 24. The 2026 World Cup is expected to break audience and revenue records, with FIFA anticipating massive global economic benefits. Organizers are leveraging predictive logistics and digita
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Moroccan talent Brahim Rabbaj, 17, has participated in recent first-team training sessions at Chelsea under the direction of Xabi Alonso. Images shared on social media show Rabbaj training alongside senior players. While this integration does not guarantee a permanent promotion, it signals strong confidence from the club's technical staff and sporting management. Born in January 2009, Rabbaj is considered one of Chelsea's most promising academy players, having joined from Crystal Palace in 2021. He can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wings. Rabbaj was also a key player for the Moroccan national team, contributing to the Atlas Cubs' victory in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, where his performances solidified his status as a major talent in Moroccan football. His progress at Chelsea is being closely watched by both the English club and other European teams.
FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with 17-year-old Moroccan midfielder Mahdi El Maimouni for his integration into the club's youth category. According to a statement released by Barça on its social networks, El Maimouni will initially join the Catalan club's youth teams. The move is part of FC Barcelona's strategy to identify and attract young talents with high potential internationally to strengthen its training center. Depending on his development and performance, there is a prospect for him to join Barça Atlètic, the reserve team.
Galatasaray is intensifying its efforts to sign Brahim Díaz, making him a priority to strengthen their offensive line. Coach Okan Buruk seeks a creative player for multiple attacking positions, a role Díaz, currently with Real Madrid until June 2027 and valued at 35 million euros, fits well. Díaz, 26, is reportedly looking for a more significant role and increased playing time due to intense competition at Real Madrid. Galatasaray aims to offer him a key technical leadership position and a guaranteed starting spot. A meeting between the clubs' managements is anticipated soon. Meanwhile, Liverpool is reportedly interested in another Moroccan international, Neil El Aynaoui. The 25-year-old midfielder, who joined AS Roma in 2025 from RC Lens, had a strong season in Serie A and performed well at the 2026 World Cup. His ball-winning ability, passing quality, and high work rate have made him a sought-after player. Liverpool's Arne Slot sees El Aynaoui as an ideal fit to add intensity and control to the Reds' midfield. The English club has reportedly initiated contact with the player's representatives to explore a potential transfer. Valued at over 30 million euros by Roma, El Aynaoui is also being monitored by Manchester United, setting up a potential rivalry between the two Premier League giants for his signature.