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Morocco's coach Ouahbi reflects on World Cup 2026 success against Scotland and looks ahead
via Le Matin2 min read
Following Morocco's 1-0 victory over Scotland, coach Mohamed Ouahbi assessed the team's performance in the 2026 World Cup, where they have accumulated four points from two matches against Brazil and Scotland. Ouahbi highlighted the team's collective control and improved offensive intentions compared to their draw against Brazil. He noted that while Scotland played more directly with long balls, Morocco effectively countered their strategy. Despite their strong position, Ouahbi emphasized that qualification is not yet secured and the team's objective is to defeat Haiti in the final group match to ensure qualification and potentially secure first place. He also stated that he would field the best possible team against Haiti, considering player freshness, opponent profile, and match context, rather than systematically rotating the squad. Ouahbi also publicly supported captain Achraf Hakimi, who is facing legal proceedings, stating that Hakimi was focused, motivated the team, and played an excellent match. Ouahbi praised the team's mental fortitude and expressed confidence in their ability to advance to the round of sixteen as group leaders.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Moroccan referee Jalal Jiyed, assisted by compatriots Zakaria Brinsi and Mustapha Akerkad, has been appointed by FIFA to officiate the World Cup 2026 group stage match between Portugal and Uzbekistan. South African Tom Abongile will serve as the fourth official, assisted by Zakhele Siwela. This marks the second assignment for the Moroccan trio, who previously officiated the Germany vs. Cura莽ao match. Portugal drew their first match against the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-1, while Uzbekistan lost 3-1 to Colombia. The upcoming match is crucial for both Portugal and Uzbekistan's qualification hopes. Notably, an Uzbek referee, Ilgiz Tantashov, recently officiated a match involving Morocco's Atlas Lions against Scotland.
Bank Al-Maghrib has issued a warning to all banks regarding a global surge in cybercrime campaigns exploiting public interest in the 2026 World Cup. The central bank notes that these threats include the distribution of malware via fake applications or match streaming platforms, as well as phishing campaigns designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials and banking details. Bank Al-Maghrib urges banks to enhance customer awareness efforts and emphasize key vigilance rules. These include exercising caution before installing match-streaming applications, avoiding links received via email, SMS, or social media that offer broadcasts or promotional deals, verifying website authenticity before entering personal or banking data, and immediately reporting any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions to the bank. The central bank also instructs banking institutions to relay these vigilance messages to their customers through appropriate communication channels.
Must ReadNegotiations between Iran and the United States are set to commence in Switzerland, focusing on Iran's nuclear program and a ceasefire in Lebanon. The talks, scheduled for a renewable 60-day period, face challenges including continued fighting in Lebanon despite an existing framework agreement for a cessation of hostilities, and Iran's announcement of a new closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli strikes in eastern and southern Lebanon on Saturday resulted in at least 30 deaths before an Israeli army order to cease confrontations with pro-Iranian Hezbollah. The US delegation is led by US Vice President JD Vance, and the Iranian delegation by Iranian Parliament President Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Other Iranian delegates include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati. Mediating countries, Pakistan and Qatar, are also present. JD Vance stated that the discussions are expected to last "a few days," and expressed hope for progress on both the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire. Emissary Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are also in Switzerland. The talks aim to achieve a final agreement to end the Middle East conflict, which began with Israeli-American strikes on Iran on February 28, causing thousands of deaths primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and impacting the global economy.