🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Raphinha and Bruno Fernandes discuss the Moroccan challenge for the 2026 World Cup
via Le Matin1 min read
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Brazil is meticulously preparing for its match against Morocco. Brazilian winger Raphinha confirmed that the Seleção's technical staff is analyzing Morocco's playing style, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses to optimize their preparation. He noted that the team still has several days to refine their strategy against the Moroccan squad, which has become a significant force in global football. Meanwhile, Portugal's Bruno Fernandes expressed a desire for a rematch against Morocco in the 2026 World Cup final. He cited the 2022 World Cup quarter-final, where Morocco defeated Portugal 1-0, as a lingering memory. Fernandes, whose friend Noussair Mazraoui plays for Morocco, stated his wish to beat them and exact revenge, highlighting the lasting impact of Morocco's historic achievement as the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Moroccan talent Brahim Rabbaj, 17, has participated in recent first-team training sessions at Chelsea under the direction of Xabi Alonso. Images shared on social media show Rabbaj training alongside senior players. While this integration does not guarantee a permanent promotion, it signals strong confidence from the club's technical staff and sporting management. Born in January 2009, Rabbaj is considered one of Chelsea's most promising academy players, having joined from Crystal Palace in 2021. He can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wings. Rabbaj was also a key player for the Moroccan national team, contributing to the Atlas Cubs' victory in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, where his performances solidified his status as a major talent in Moroccan football. His progress at Chelsea is being closely watched by both the English club and other European teams.
FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with 17-year-old Moroccan midfielder Mahdi El Maimouni for his integration into the club's youth category. According to a statement released by Barça on its social networks, El Maimouni will initially join the Catalan club's youth teams. The move is part of FC Barcelona's strategy to identify and attract young talents with high potential internationally to strengthen its training center. Depending on his development and performance, there is a prospect for him to join Barça Atlètic, the reserve team.
Galatasaray is intensifying its efforts to sign Brahim Díaz, making him a priority to strengthen their offensive line. Coach Okan Buruk seeks a creative player for multiple attacking positions, a role Díaz, currently with Real Madrid until June 2027 and valued at 35 million euros, fits well. Díaz, 26, is reportedly looking for a more significant role and increased playing time due to intense competition at Real Madrid. Galatasaray aims to offer him a key technical leadership position and a guaranteed starting spot. A meeting between the clubs' managements is anticipated soon. Meanwhile, Liverpool is reportedly interested in another Moroccan international, Neil El Aynaoui. The 25-year-old midfielder, who joined AS Roma in 2025 from RC Lens, had a strong season in Serie A and performed well at the 2026 World Cup. His ball-winning ability, passing quality, and high work rate have made him a sought-after player. Liverpool's Arne Slot sees El Aynaoui as an ideal fit to add intensity and control to the Reds' midfield. The English club has reportedly initiated contact with the player's representatives to explore a potential transfer. Valued at over 30 million euros by Roma, El Aynaoui is also being monitored by Manchester United, setting up a potential rivalry between the two Premier League giants for his signature.