🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Foreign press praises Morocco's superior and attractive play, cementing its place among world football elite
via Le Matin4 min read
International media has lauded Morocco's performance in their recent match, with many outlets suggesting the team deserved more than a draw. Spanish newspapers Marca and El Mundo highlighted Morocco's "manifest superiority," with El Mundo noting that Vinicius Junior's equalizer saved Brazil from a "fiasco." El País observed Morocco's more audacious and ambitious play compared to their 2022 World Cup run. Swiss agency ATS Keystone and La Tribune de Genève also commented on Morocco's dominance and collective mastery, stating Brazil was "disoriented" and "held in check." In Portugal, A Bola described Morocco's "remarkable" performance, characterized by advanced pressing, fast play, and rigorous collective organization, asserting that Morocco is no longer a "passing surprise." French press, including L'Équipe, RFI, Le Figaro, and Ouest-France, praised Morocco's pressing, technique, possession, and intensity, suggesting the Atlas Lions will be a team to watch in the 2026 World Cup. Indian media, such as India Today and Business Standard, echoed these sentiments, noting Morocco's aggressive pressing and quick transitions. Russian outlets Sport-Express and RIA Novosti Sport also recognized Morocco as a more coherent team that imposed its rhythm. Senegalese press, including Le Soleil, emphasized Morocco's status as a serious title contender, noting their continued progress since 2022. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi received particular acclaim from international media for
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Mehdi Amri, a Moroccan freestyle footballer, defeated Brazilian Isaac Xavier 6-5 in a Panna duel held at the Rabat Live Arena. This event was part of the inaugural evening for the fan zone established to support the Atlas Lions in the 2026 World Cup. The duel was a rematch for Amri, who had previously lost to Xavier in Brazil. Amri's victory, achieved before thousands of spectators at the Moulay El Hassan stadium, was described as symbolic in what has become a notable rivalry in global Panna. The event showcased the growing popularity of freestyle football and Panna, contributing to the festive atmosphere in Rabat.
Tibu Africa recently convened representatives from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Morocco in Casablanca to discuss the social legacy of major sporting events. The meeting, held at the École de la Deuxième Chance Nouvelle Génération, focused on leveraging sport for human development, social inclusion, and fostering connections between people. With Canada, the United States, and Mexico hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Morocco preparing for the 2030 World Cup, the discussion emphasized the importance of sustainable social impact beyond the football fields. Inspired by the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Tibu Africa advocates for investments in youth skills, employability, and leadership. The organization has established partnerships with Canada, the United States, and Mexico, developing programs for education, youth empowerment, and socio-economic inclusion. Diplomatic representatives from the three North American countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening these collaborations, particularly in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup. Projects like the "Power of Football" caravan are planned to transform enthusiasm for football into concrete opportunities for training, leadership, and social impact. Mohamed Amine Zariat, founding president of Tibu Africa, stated that major sports competitions are unique opportunities to invest in human capital, emphasizing that the greatest legacies are built in minds, skills, confidence, and opportunities for youth. Tib
Must ReadThe Espace Amazigh, Europe's first cultural center dedicated to Amazigh heritage, has been inaugurated in Granada, within the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The project, initiated by the late Dr. Leïla Mezian Benjelloun through her eponymous foundation, aims to research, disseminate, and promote Amazigh historical, artistic, and ethnological heritage. Othman Benjelloun, president of the Dr. Leïla Mezian Foundation, and his daughter Dounia Benjelloun attended the ceremony, which was also graced by numerous Moroccan and Spanish dignitaries, including André Azoulay, Advisor to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and Karima Benyaich, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Spain. Dounia Benjelloun emphasized that the space realizes her mother's dream of showcasing Amazigh heritage in a place symbolizing dialogue between civilizations. The 250 m² museum, located at Carmen de los Porcel near the Alhambra, features a 200 m² permanent exhibition with 189 pieces, many from Dr. Leïla Mezian Benjelloun's collection, supplemented by a donation from former Spanish Ambassador to Morocco, Jorge Dezcallar, and his wife Teresa Eça, and pieces from the Alhambra's collections. The exhibition explores over three millennia of Amazigh history through artifacts, audiovisual resources, and interactive displays, highlighting women's adornments, textiles, ceramics, and the evolution of the Tifinagh alphabet. It also examines the role of Amazigh communities in forming Al-Andalus and the historical t