🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Morocco's 1986 World Cup heroes Krimau and Khaïri reflect on historic achievement 40 years later
via Le Matin2 min read
Forty years after Morocco's historic performance at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, players Abderrazak Khaïri and Abdelkrim Merry, known as Krimau, shared their memories at an event called "Hkaya Bdat f Mexico." On June 11, 1986, Morocco defeated Portugal 3-1, with Khaïri scoring twice and Merry adding another goal, making them the first African and Arab team to reach the Round of 16 in a World Cup. Khaïri expressed pride in honoring Morocco and hoped the current national team would succeed in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Krimau emphasized the importance of intergenerational transmission, noting that Moroccans have never forgotten the 1986 team. He believes the legacy of Mexico 86 should inspire the current team, led by Mohamed Ouahbi, to make history, similar to Walid Regragui's team in 2022. The event in Casablanca highlighted Morocco's football journey, from being the first African nation to reach the Round of 16 in 1986 to becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals in 2022, establishing itself as a global football reference.
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Must ReadMorocco's Atlas Lions begin their 2026 World Cup campaign with a high-stakes match against Brazil. The team, semi-finalists in the last World Cup, aims to prove their previous success was not a fluke. National coach Mohamed Ouahbi has focused on strengthening the team's winning culture, emphasizing respect for Brazil without fear. However, Morocco faces significant injury challenges, with Nayef Aguerd out due to persistent pubalgia, forcing a new central defense pairing likely involving Issa Diop and Chadi Riad. Abde Ezzalzouli is also absent due to a moderate knee ligament sprain, impacting the team's attacking options and set-piece expertise. Captain Achraf Hakimi is tasked with containing Vinicius Junior and initiating quick transitions to Brahim Diaz and Azzedine Ounahi, who will supply Ismael Saibari. Morocco draws confidence from a 2-1 friendly victory against Brazil in 2023. Brazil, led by Carlo Ancelotti, enters as a favorite with a strong offensive lineup, featuring the speed of Vinicius Junior and Raphinha on the wings, and a solid midfield pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães. Brazil's potential weakness lies in the probable absence of Neymar due to a calf injury, which would reduce their creative options. Full-backs Douglas and Danilo have also shown vulnerabilities against deep defensive blocks, an area where Brahim Diaz could exploit. The key for Brazil will be maintaining composure against Morocco's compact and disciplined defense.
The National Observatory for the Rights of the Child ONDE has launched a national campaign titled "STOP Child Labor," continuing the commitment to child protection and rights promoted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Child labor is a violation of fundamental children's rights, including education, protection, and development, as guaranteed by the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Morocco. Significant progress has been made, with an 8.2% reduction in child labor compared to 2023 and 59.1% compared to 2017, thanks to joint efforts by governmental and non-governmental institutions and stakeholders. Morocco is a Pioneer Country of Alliance 8.7 and hosted the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor in Marrakech, where ONDE actively participated. Despite progress, approximately 101,000 children aged 7 to 17 are still engaged in economic activity, representing 1.3% of this age group, according to 2024 data from the High Commission for Planning HCP. Of these, 62,000 children are exposed to dangerous work, and 87.7% have left school, making child labor a primary cause of school dropout. ONDE has produced several audiovisual capsules to raise awareness, depicting often ignored realities and encouraging reflection on individual roles in protecting children's rights. The first capsule will be broadcast starting June 12, 2026, on national channels and ONDE's digital platforms, with others following throughout June on social media. Concurrentl
Morocco's national football team, the Atlas Lions, will establish their main base camp at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, northern New Jersey, for the 2026 World Cup. This elite private institution, which hosted the Italian team in 1994, will provide the Miller Bugliari '52 World Cup Field with two FIFA-compliant natural grass pitches, an athletic center with modern weight rooms, balneotherapy areas for recovery, and secure tactical viewing rooms. Players will reside at the nearby Somerset Hills Hotel, privatized for maximum concentration, while remaining close to Newark International Airport. The Atlas Lions will play their first match on Saturday, June 13, against Brazil at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, officially renamed New York-New Jersey Stadium for the tournament. This 78,000-seat venue, also hosting the final, is conveniently located near their base camp. For their second match on Friday, June 19, against Scotland, the team will travel north to Boston Stadium Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, a 65,000-seat venue. Following FIFA protocol, the team will use a dedicated training site in Boston 48 hours before the game. The final group stage match will be on Wednesday, June 24, against Haiti at the Atlanta Stadium Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia. In Atlanta, the Atlas Lions will utilize first-rate training facilities provided by the host city, including a highly equipped university or regional sports complex with private changing rooms, mobile care units, and