
Morocco is set to face the Netherlands in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup in Monterrey. The Netherlands secured the top spot in Group F by defeating Tunisia 3-1. Dutch coach Ronald Koeman acknowledged the strength of the Moroccan team, stating, "I am not sure we are favorites against Morocco. We must prepare well, because it will be an important match. Morocco is a good team, with a lot of qualities and capable of scoring easily." Koeman also addressed his team's defensive vulnerabilities, noting issues with player positioning despite scoring 10 goals in three matches. Captain Virgil Van Dijk described Morocco as a "formidable team, very technically gifted, but also with weaknesses." He expressed anticipation for the match, highlighting that the Netherlands has been undefeated in the World Cup for 14 matches since their 2010 final loss to Spain.
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Morocco's budget deficit reached 27 billion dirhams by the end of May 2026, an increase from 22 billion dirhams during the same period in 2025, according to data from the General Treasury of the Kingdom TGR. This rise is primarily due to a decrease in the ordinary balance, which fell from 11.6 billion dirhams in May 2025 to 2 billion dirhams in May 2026. Special Treasury accounts and autonomously managed State Services also saw an increase, from 13 billion dirhams to 22 billion dirhams over the same period. Ordinary revenues grew by 6.6% year-on-year, totaling 182.6 billion dirhams, up from 171 billion dirhams in May 2025. This growth was driven by a 9.2% increase in tax revenues, reaching 164 billion dirhams. However, non-fiscal revenues declined by 13%, from 20.5 billion dirhams to 17.8 billion dirhams, mainly due to a drop in "other revenues," which include grants, debt expenditure mitigation revenues, and various ministerial revenues. Conversely, ordinary expenditures rose by 13% to 180 billion dirhams. This increase was largely due to a 12.2% rise in goods and services spending, reaching 147 billion dirhams, and a 4% increase in debt interest payments, totaling 17.5 billion dirhams. Investment expenditures also increased by 9.3%, reaching 53 billion dirhams by May 2026, compared to 48 billion dirhams a year prior. The financing need for the period stood at 37 billion dirhams, down from 44.6 billion dirhams in May 2025. To cover this, the government primarily relied on do

The Competition Council has received notification of a proposed economic concentration involving the joint control of PortNet by Tanger Med Port Authority, the managing company of Tanger Med port, alongside the National Ports Agency ANP, its historical shareholder. The transaction involves Tanger Med Port Authority acquiring 44.07% of PortNet's share capital and voting rights through a capital increase. Established in 2008 by the National Ports Agency, PortNet is a single window platform developed through an alliance between port communities and international trade stakeholders. This tool supports national strategies to improve the business climate, trade, port and logistics competitiveness, and e-government services. PortNet offers over 120 fully dematerialized community services to an ecosystem of more than 55,000 users from administrations, institutions, and businesses nationwide. The platform digitizes and simplifies import-export operations and user journeys. Recently, PortNet developed the Moroccan Foreign Trade Procedures Portal, a national single window designed to harmonize and simplify all import-export procedures. This initiative aims to reduce administrative processing times by 20% to 50% and will eventually process nearly 40 million digitized documents annually for over 100,000 users.

The Atlas Lions, under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, have developed a playing style characterized by ball retention, high pressing, and clean build-up play. This was evident in their 1-1 draw against Brazil, where they dominated possession and pressing. Against Scotland, they demonstrated adaptability and tactical discipline to secure a win. Their 4-2 victory over Haiti highlighted their offensive prowess, with substitutions like Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine proving effective. Individually, 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed with his technical quality and game reading, particularly against Brazil. Ismael Sa茂bari made history by scoring in all three group matches, becoming the first African player to do so in a World Cup. Captain Achraf Hakimi also showcased leadership, contributing offensively with a goal and an assist against Haiti. Despite a largely positive group stage, the team needs to address managing the end of matches, as seen when they lost control against Brazil after the hour mark. With seven points and qualification for the round of 16, Morocco has met its initial World Cup objective. The team now faces the Netherlands, aiming to maintain control throughout the match and improve defensive rigor to advance further in the tournament.