馃嚥馃嚘MoroccoNorth Africa
Yassine Bounou sets two new World Cup records
via Le Matin2 min read
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou achieved two new World Cup records during the 2026 tournament. In the Round of 16 penalty shootout against the Netherlands, Bounou destabilized Dutch shooters and saved Crysencio Summerville's attempt, securing qualification for the Atlas Lions. This performance made Bounou the goalkeeper with the most missed penalties against him in World Cup shootout history, with six, surpassing Sergio Goycochea, Cl谩udio Taffarel, Danijel Suba拧i膰, and Dominik Livakovi膰, who each had five. Additionally, Bounou's save against Summerville was historic. According to Opta data, it was the first time in World Cup history that a penalty aimed at the top third of the goal during a shootout was saved; all 40 previous attempts in that zone had resulted in goals. At 35, Bounou continues to build an exceptional career, solidifying his place as one of the most impactful goalkeepers in World Cup history.
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.
Must ReadThe Atlas Lions are set to face Canada in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup after defeating the Netherlands in Monterrey, Mexico. Canada, one of the three host nations, has impressed in the tournament, demonstrating strong organization and effectiveness, including a victory against South Africa. Canadian coach Jesse Marsch described preparing for the match against Morocco as a "bloody, horrible nightmare," acknowledging their strength while hinting at a strategic approach to trap the Atlas Lions. Morocco's national team, under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, has focused on physical and mental recovery, defensive positioning, and wing play to counter Canada's system. The team maintains a confident but not euphoric atmosphere, with Ouahbi emphasizing the need to move past their previous success. Video analysis has been used to identify the opponent's weaknesses. The historical record favors Morocco, with a memorable 2-1 victory over Canada in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a win that propelled them to the semifinals. While the context has changed and Canada is playing on home soil, the psychological advantage from past encounters remains. Morocco recognizes the need to build on their past achievements while writing a new chapter against a reinforced Canadian team.
Spain's Secretary of State for Migration, Pilar Cancela, announced that 1,174,978 regularization applications were submitted between mid-April and June 30, with over 600,000 already deemed admissible. Latin American applicants constitute two-thirds 67% of the total, while nearly a quarter 22.9% are from Africa. The applicants are predominantly male 57% and relatively young, with 8 out of 10 being under 45 years old. Colombia is the leading country of origin at 25.9%, followed by Morocco at 13.3%, Venezuela at 11.8%, and Peru at 8.8%. Authorities have three months to process these applications and issue, or deny, a residence and work permit valid only in Spain. Prime Minister Pedro S谩nchez noted over a million applications were filed, exceeding the initial estimate of benefiting nearly half a million people. Applicants had to prove at least five months of presence in Spain by January 1 and a clean criminal record. The Spanish government's stance on "legal, safe, and orderly" migration is an exception within the European Union and has been praised by the head of Spain's main employers' organization, CEOE, amidst recruitment challenges in certain sectors.
Achraf Hakimi was honored for reaching 100 selections with the Atlas Lions, celebrating his exemplary career, consistent commitment, and loyalty to the national jersey. Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the FRMF, congratulated Hakimi on this symbolic milestone in his international career, wishing him continued success with the national team. Hakimi, the captain of the Atlas Lions, expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for the constant support given to the national team and national football. He also thanked the FRMF president, the technical staff, his teammates, and all those who supported him throughout his national team journey. This celebration acknowledges Hakimi's role as a key player, a model of professionalism, selflessness, and dedication to Morocco.