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FIFA to host largest fan festival in World Cup history for 2026 tournament
via Le Matin2 min read
FIFA announced plans for the largest FIFA Fan Festival in its history for the 2026 World Cup, spanning 13 host cities across the three host countries. The festival will extend nearly 4,000 kilometers and aims to bring the competition's atmosphere beyond the stadiums. It will feature giant screen match broadcasts, world-class musical performances, and activities tailored to local cultures. The FIFA Fan Festival will serve as a central meeting point for fans, fostering shared passions and bringing the game to life. In addition to the main festival sites, other fan events are scheduled in cities like Los Angeles, New York-New Jersey, and Philadelphia, organized in cooperation with local committees. Heimo Schirgi, Director of World Cup 2026 Operations, stated that the festival will offer a unique way for fans to experience the competition by blending football, entertainment, and local culture. He added that these iconic sites will unite fans globally while showcasing the unique spirit of each host city through football, music, gastronomy, culture, and community. The festival sites will include live concerts, interactive football-themed experiences for all ages, innovative sponsor activations, and FIFA Store outlets selling licensed 2026 World Cup merchandise. The FIFA Fan Festival, a cornerstone of the World Cup fan experience for 20 years, has previously welcomed over 40 million visitors. The 2026 edition will feature sites in 13 host cities, one more than in Germany 2006 and Br
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The music video for "Siir Siir," an anthem for the 2026 World Cup, was released yesterday, featuring Nora Fatehi, Vegedream, and Sanjoy. The song includes an engaging rhythm, polished aesthetics, and unifying lyrics, along with the memorable "Siir Siir" hook, familiar to Moroccans since the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The video portrays football as a borderless celebration of passion and sharing. Filmed in iconic Moroccan locations such as the Parc de la Ligue arabe in Casablanca, with the Sacré-Cœur in the background, and the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, the video features precise choreography led by Nora Fatehi and her dancers. Nora Fatehi is among the artists selected by FIFA for the official 2026 World Cup album, a prestigious collection of international stars providing musical accompaniment for the global football event. French Montana also represents Morocco on the album with his track "Three Nations," celebrating the unity of the three host countries for the 2026 World Cup. This dual presence highlights the increasing international influence of Moroccan artists in the music scene.
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli's knee injury, sustained during a friendly match against Norway, continues to be a concern for the Moroccan national team's technical staff. The Atlas Lions winger has undergone additional medical examinations, but a definitive diagnosis regarding the nature and severity of his injury is still pending. Further tests are required before a decision can be made on his availability for upcoming national team commitments. The medical and technical staff expect to have a clearer picture within the next two days, at which point a decision on his participation may be made. In contrast, news regarding Noussair Mazraoui is more positive. The Moroccan full-back has a minor shoulder contusion, which the medical staff considers not serious. He is expected to return to collective training sessions later this week. As the Atlas Lions prepare for their match against Brazil, Ezzalzouli's situation remains a primary concern, with upcoming medical examinations crucial for determining the extent of his injury and his ability to return to competition quickly, while Mazraoui appears to be on the path to recovery.
Must ReadDonald Trump stated that the United States is on the verge of achieving "total victory" over Iran within two weeks. Speaking at a tele-rally for Republican Senator Lindsey Graham's re-election campaign, Trump claimed that Iran is prepared to make a very good deal, offering to give up all nuclear weapons. He believes the US is winning the nuclear standoff with Iran and anticipates that this total victory will lead to a collapse in oil prices. Trump has previously asserted that US military operations have significantly weakened Iran's military and ballistic capabilities. A ceasefire was established on April 8, following over a month of fighting and bombardments that began with Operation Epic Fury on February 28. Since then, Washington and Tehran have been engaged in discussions to solidify the truce and achieve a lasting de-escalation of tensions.