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Morocco's Atlas Lions learn lessons from final World Cup 2026 test against Norway
via Le Matin2 min read
The Atlas Lions' final test against Norway before the World Cup 2026 group stage provided valuable insights for Mohamed Ouahbi. Despite injuries to Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli, the technical staff used the match to refine their preparations. In the first half, Morocco, playing in a 4-2-3-1 system, demonstrated strong technical control, with Azzedine Ounahi and Ismael Saibari effectively breaking through Norway's lines. Brahim D铆az scored in the 7th minute, reflecting their aggressive space occupation and ball control. However, defensive transition issues emerged, with the Moroccan block lacking compactness against Norway's physical play and verticality, leaving gaps between the midfield and defense. The injuries to Mazraoui and Ezzalzouli before halftime also disrupted the initial plan, leading to numerous changes in the second half. This lack of continuity and a gradual drop in intensity prevented a victory that seemed within reach, highlighting the need for sustained concentration at the highest level. These lessons are crucial as the World Cup approaches. Ouahbi must instill collective discipline, as individual talent alone is insufficient without a solid defensive foundation. Tactical adjustments will focus on strengthening the defensive block during opponent pressing. The second-half substitutions also underscored the need to harmonize the performance level of the bench to maintain a consistent playing identity. Ouahbi acknowledged that this athletic opposition
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
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The market value of Morocco's Atlas Lions has reached a historic high of 512.7 million euros, according to Transfermarkt, following their performance in the 2026 World Cup. This figure represents a significant increase from under 300 million euros in 2022, nearly doubling in four years due to the emergence of a new generation of players and their growing presence in major European leagues. Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old midfielder, saw his valuation rise by 30 million euros to 80 million euros, making him, alongside Achraf Hakimi, the most valuable Moroccan player in the national team's history. Isma毛l Saibari, a midfielder for Bayern Munich, also experienced a substantial increase, with his market value now at 55 million euros, up from 40 million. Neil El Aynaoui, Chadi Riad, and Azzedine Ounahi also saw their valuations increase to 30 million, 20 million, and 18 million euros, respectively. This 512.7 million euro valuation is based solely on the 26 players selected for the 2026 World Cup. If other key players who did not participate, such as Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Hamza Igamane, Nayef Aguerd, and Eliesse Ben Seghir, were included, the total market value of the Atlas Lions would exceed 600 million euros. This growth highlights the team's unprecedented rise, driven by a mix of experienced players and young talents sought after by top European clubs, and reflects their individual performances during the World Cup and consistent player development.
Morocco has launched its first national program to combat gender-based stereotypes, initiated with the support of the United Nations Population Fund UNFPA. The program aims to promote equality and fight all forms of discrimination against women by mobilizing institutional actors, civil society, and the media, and strengthening collective commitment. It is structured around five strategic areas: family, education, media and digital space, work and economic participation, and public space and citizenship. It also includes priority measures and mechanisms for governance, monitoring, and evaluation. Na茂ma Ben Yahia, Minister of Solidarity, Social Inclusion and Family, stated that the program is a significant milestone in the societal project championed by King Mohammed VI to advance justice, equality, and equal opportunities. She added that it seeks to raise awareness and embed a culture of equality between women and men, while strengthening Moroccan women's rights and ensuring their rightful place in society. Abdeljabbar Rachidi, Secretary of State for Social Inclusion, emphasized that building an equitable society requires not only laws and public policies, but also an evolution of thought patterns, mental representations, and cultural transformation to counter stereotypes and deconstruct prejudices. He noted Morocco's progress in promoting equality due to Royal Directives, constitutional provisions, and international commitments, calling for continued mobilization and accelera