馃嚥馃嚘MoroccoNorth Africa
Morocco's new generation of Atlas Lions seeks glory at the 2026 World Cup
via Le Matin3 min read
Morocco's national football team, the Atlas Lions, is preparing for the 2026 World Cup with high expectations from its supporters. Following their surprising performance in 2022, the team is now seen as a strong contender. Mohamed Ouahbi, 49, who recently led the U20 team to a world title, has taken over as head coach of the senior squad, replacing Walid Regragui. Ouahbi's mission is to integrate new talent while maintaining the spirit of the 2022 semi-finalists. His 26-player squad reflects a transition, prioritizing current merit over past status. He has introduced dynamic players like Ayyoub Bouaddi and Yassine Gessime alongside established figures such as Brahim Diaz, Achraf Hakimi, and Ismael Saibari. Ouahbi emphasizes rapid transition play, intense pressing, and strict discipline. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by FIFA and the USA, will feature 48 teams, offering an expanded opportunity for African nations. Morocco, having broken psychological barriers in Doha, is seen as a leader for the continent, aiming to prove that their previous success was not an anomaly. Coach Ouahbi stated upon arrival in the USA, "We are here to do great things. We truly hope to make Moroccans proud." This tournament is also viewed as preparation for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host. The Atlas Lions approach the American campaign with the humility of underdogs but the ambition of conquerors, understanding that success now is crucial for future triumphs at home.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Morocco's national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, expressed mixed feelings of satisfaction and regret after the 1-1 draw against Brazil in the opening match of Group C of the 2026 World Cup. Ouahbi stated that his players delivered a "solid performance" against a physically impactful Brazilian team. He highlighted moments where his team controlled the game, found depth, and dictated the pace, but emphasized the need to "learn to finish matches as we start them." Despite feeling there was more to achieve, the coach defended his players' mindset, noting his pride in their effort and their awareness that they could have performed better. Individually, Ouahbi praised young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, stating he was not surprised by his quality, and lauded midfielder Neil El Aynaoui for a "very high-level match." He also reassured about the health of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who sustained a minor shoulder injury but is recovering well. Ouahbi concluded by commending the atmosphere of the match, created by both Moroccan and Brazilian supporters.
Must ReadThe World Bank is set to approve two significant financing packages for Morocco. The first, approximately $400 million, is for the "Morocco Climate & Risk Finance Program," a five-year initiative 2026-2031 aimed at strengthening the country's financial resilience to disasters and emerging risks, and boosting the state's capacity to attract private investment in climate-aligned projects. Morocco faces substantial natural risks like earthquakes, floods, and droughts, intensified by climate change, leading to significant budgetary costs and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable households, small businesses, and fragile regions. The program has three main components: mobilizing long-term climate finance through project pipelines and a Project Preparation Facility; enhancing and expanding risk financing, including strengthening the Solidarity Fund against Catastrophic Events FSEC, deepening disaster insurance, and developing cyber risk insurance; and supporting the financial sector's resilience by integrating climate, disaster, and cyber risks into regulatory frameworks. This program will be coordinated by the Ministry of Finance, with key implementing entities including the Directorate of Public Enterprises and Privatization, FSEC, the Insurance and Social Welfare Supervisory Authority Acaps, and Bank Al-Maghrib. The second financing package, totaling $250 million, will support a program to accelerate Morocco's digital transformation. This program, also results-based and impleme
Must ReadMorocco's national team, led by Mohamed Ouahbi, secured a 1-1 draw against Brazil in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. Despite Brazil being considered a tournament favorite, Morocco demonstrated strong possession-based play and created several dangerous opportunities. Neil El Aynaoui and Azzedine Ounahi had early chances, while Brahim Diaz also threatened the Brazilian defense. Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi delivered a high-level performance, showcasing technical precision and game orientation. Morocco was rewarded in the 21st minute when Isma毛l Saibari scored with a lob, delighting Moroccan supporters. Brazil equalized in the 32nd minute through Vinicius Junior, sending both teams into halftime with a 1-1 score. The second half saw tactical adjustments from both sides, with Carlo Ancelotti making changes for Brazil and Mohamed Ouahbi introducing Chemsdine Talbi and Samir El Mourabet for Morocco to maintain defensive intensity. Despite further chances for both teams, neither could break the deadlock. This result gives both Morocco and Brazil one point in Group C, which also features Scotland and Haiti. Morocco's strong performance, highlighted by Saibari's goal and Bouaddi's midfield display, sends a clear message as they prepare to face Scotland on June 19 in their next group stage match.