馃嚥馃嚘MoroccoNorth Africa
Portugal secures World Cup 2026 qualification with late win against Croatia
via Le Matin1 min read
Portugal's national team, led by Roberto Martinez, secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia in a tense match, qualifying for the next stage of the World Cup 2026. Croatia initially took the lead in the 53rd minute with a precise strike from Ivan Peri拧i膰. Portugal equalized in the 68th minute when captain Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty. The winning goal came in stoppage time from substitute Gon莽alo Ramos, who scored with a header. This hard-fought win means Portugal will face Spain in the next round of the competition.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Tesla has expanded its presence in the Moroccan market by introducing the Performance versions of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, now available for order. This follows the brand's official entry into Morocco with a Casablanca location and the initial launch of the Model 3 and Model Y. Concurrently, Tesla is opening a new pop-up store in Marrakech at the M枚venpick Hotel, starting July 13, 2026. This new location will allow visitors to explore the range and test drive the new Model Y Performance. The Model 3 Performance boasts an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds, a top speed of 262 km/h, and a WLTP range of 561 km. Enhancements include a revised chassis, adaptive suspension, and a Track Mode for fine-tuning vehicle behavior. Distinctive features comprise specific bumpers, a carbon fiber spoiler, 20-inch forged wheels, and red caliper brakes. The interior offers heated and ventilated sport seats. The Model 3 Performance starts at 599,990 DH. Similarly, the Model Y Performance accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, reaches a top speed of 250 km/h, and has a WLTP range of 580 km. It features adaptive suspension, configurable driving modes, 21-inch forged wheels, Pirelli P Zero tires developed for Tesla, and a carbon fiber spoiler. The SUV also includes more supportive heated and ventilated sport seats. Pricing for the Model Y Performance begins at 649,990 DH. First deliveries for both Model 3 Performance and Model Y Performance are anticipated in August 2026.
Must ReadThe United Nations has issued a warning that artificial intelligence is advancing at a faster pace than the public policies designed to regulate it. The UN highlighted that the performance of the most advanced AI models has significantly increased, showing a jump from 8% to 45% on "Humanity's Last Exam" in just 16 months. This rapid progress suggests a growing gap between technological development and the capacity of states to implement effective oversight and governance frameworks for AI.
Morocco's trade deficit increased by 20.8% to 159.07 billion dirhams by the end of May 2026, up from 131.71 billion dirhams a year prior, according to the Office des Changes. This widening deficit is attributed to imports growing faster than exports, leading to a 3.2-point decrease in the import coverage rate, from 60.3% to 57.1%. Merchandise imports reached 370.49 billion dirhams, an 11.8% increase, or 39.043 billion dirhams more than the same period in 2025. This rise was primarily driven by a 18.7% increase in finished equipment products, including aircraft and other aerial or spatial vehicles, parts, and utility vehicles. The energy bill also saw a significant 20.7% increase, mainly due to higher purchases of diesel, fuel oils, and petroleum oils and lubricants. Raw product imports rose by 42.5%, largely due to increased imports of crude and unrefined sulfur and scrap iron, waste, and other ores, though crude or refined olive oil purchases decreased. Exports also grew, reaching 211.41 billion dirhams by the end of May 2026, a 5.8% increase from 199.73 billion dirhams a year earlier. The automotive sector remained the primary driver, with exports increasing by 15.9%, particularly in car manufacturing and wiring. Aeronautical exports also saw a 14.2% rise, mainly from the assembly segment. In contrast, phosphate and derivative exports declined by 11.2%, primarily due to reduced sales of natural and chemical fertilizers and phosphates. Despite the trade deficit, other extern