Morocco–Benin: King Mohammed VI sends a special message to President Romuald Wadagni
COTONOU, Benin – Morocco and Benin have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation after Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita delivered a special message from King Mohammed VI to Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni during an official visit to Cotonou. The meeting, held at the Marina Presidential Palace on Tuesday, took place on the sidelines of the 7th Morocco–Benin Joint Cooperation Commission, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between Rabat and Cotonou.
Royal message reinforces close ties
Following the audience, Bourita said he conveyed the Moroccan King’s fraternal greetings to President Wadagni and reiterated Morocco’s determination to further expand cooperation with Benin. The Moroccan minister also congratulated the Beninese authorities on the successful conduct of the country’s recent elections and praised Benin’s economic performance, describing it as a model of stability and resilience in West Africa.
The visit highlighted the strong political relations maintained between the two countries, which have continued to deepen through regular high-level exchanges.
Stronger economic cooperation on the agenda
Economic cooperation featured prominently during the discussions, with both sides expressing their ambition to give fresh momentum to bilateral relations. According to Bourita, Morocco and Benin aim to increase private-sector participation, strengthen collaboration between sectoral ministries and launch high-impact development projects capable of generating new economic opportunities for both nations. The renewed partnership is expected to build on the longstanding friendship between Rabat and Cotonou while promoting investment, trade and sustainable development.
Shared commitment to regional security
Regional security was another major topic of discussion, particularly the deteriorating situation in the Sahel. Bourita said the two leaders exchanged views on terrorism and regional instability, stressing the importance of closer African coordination to address shared security challenges. Morocco and Benin agreed on the need to enhance consultation and cooperation to promote peace, stability and security across West Africa and the wider Sahel region.
Partnership set to reach a new level
The meeting reflects the shared ambition of King Mohammed VI and President Romuald Wadagni to elevate Morocco–Benin relations through stronger diplomatic, economic and security cooperation. As both countries seek to expand their influence and partnerships across Africa, Tuesday’s discussions marked another step toward a more comprehensive strategic alliance capable of addressing regional challenges while creating new opportunities for development.
WAFCON 2026: Morocco ready for the celebration—schedule, kick-off times, and details
The countdown is officially on. With just days to go before kick-off, the official schedule and match times for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have been confirmed, as Morocco prepares to host the largest edition in the tournament’s history.
Running from July 26 to August 16, 2026, the continental showpiece will bring together 16 national teams for the first time ever, marking a new era for women’s football in Africa. Matches will be staged in Rabat and Casablanca, with both the opening match and the final taking place in the Moroccan capital.
Morocco Opens Its Campaign on Home Soil
The tournament will kick off on Sunday, July 26, at 6:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. GMT) at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, where Algeria will face Senegal in the opening fixture.
Host nation Morocco will then make its highly anticipated debut later that evening, taking on Kenya at 9:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. GMT) at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Backed by passionate home support, the Atlas Lionesses will aim to begin their quest for a first continental title in front of their fans.
More Than an African Title at Stake
The stakes are particularly high at this year’s tournament. Alongside the coveted African championship trophy, teams will compete for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The eventual champions will also receive a US$1 million prize, underlining the growing investment and prestige of women’s football across the continent.
Key Dates to Remember
The group stage promises several blockbuster encounters, including Nigeria vs Zambia on August 1 and Ghana vs Cameroon on August 2.
The knockout phase begins with the quarter-finals on August 8 and 9, followed by the semi-finals in Rabat on August 12.
On August 13, Casablanca will host the crucial World Cup qualification play-off matches for the losing quarter-finalists, while the third-place match is scheduled for August 15 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
The tournament will culminate on Sunday, August 16, when the final kicks off at 8:00 p.m. local time in Rabat, where Africa’s new champions will be crowned.
Group Stage Draw
Group A (Rabat)
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Senegal
- Kenya
Group B (Casablanca)
- South Africa
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Burkina Faso
- Tanzania
Group C (Rabat)
- Nigeria
- Zambia
- Egypt
- Malawi
Group D (Casablanca)
- Ghana
- Cameroon
- Mali
- Cape Verde
A New Chapter for Morocco and African Women’s Football
Following the success of recent major international tournaments hosted by the Kingdom, Morocco is once again set to showcase its world-class sporting infrastructure and organizational expertise. With an expanded format, World Cup qualification on the line, and Africa’s top women’s teams competing for continental glory, WAFCON Morocco 2026 promises to be the biggest and most competitive edition in the history of the tournament.
Morocco finishes as africa’s best team at FIFA World Cup 2026
Although Spain lifted the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy after edging Argentina 1-0 in the final, Morocco has every reason to celebrate its own remarkable campaign. The Atlas Lions ended the tournament in an outstanding seventh place, making them the highest-ranked African nation and reinforcing the Kingdom’s growing stature on the global football stage.
Hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada, the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup concluded with Spain crowned world champions. But for Morocco, the competition marked another historic chapter, as the Atlas Lions once again demonstrated that their run to the semi-finals in Qatar 2022 was no coincidence.
Morocco Once Again Sets the Standard for African Football
Among the nine African nations that qualified for the tournament, Morocco delivered the continent’s strongest performance. A place in the quarter-finals secured the Atlas Lions a prestigious seventh-place finish in FIFA’s final standings, ahead of several traditional football powerhouses.
Only Spain, Argentina, England, France, Norway and Belgium finished above Walid Regragui’s side, highlighting Morocco’s consistency at the highest level of international football.
The final rankings also underline Africa’s growing influence on the global stage. Egypt impressed by finishing 15th, while Côte d’Ivoire (19th), DR Congo (23rd), Ghana (24th), South Africa (26th), Algeria (30th), Senegal (31st) and Cape Verde (32nd) completed the continent’s representation.
Another Milestone for Moroccan Football
Morocco’s latest World Cup campaign further strengthens the country’s reputation as one of football’s emerging global powers. Building on the historic achievements of recent years, the Atlas Lions have established themselves as regular contenders capable of competing with the world’s elite.
The seventh-place finish reflects the progress made by Moroccan football through sustained investment in infrastructure, youth development and sporting excellence—efforts that continue to position the Kingdom among the leading football nations beyond Africa.
Spain Claims the World Title
Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in the final. England secured third place following an entertaining 6-4 victory over France in the bronze medal match.
According to FIFA, the final standings were determined using points earned throughout the tournament, followed by goal difference and goals scored whenever teams were eliminated at the same stage.
A Landmark World Cup
The 2026 edition will be remembered as one of the most significant in football history. It was the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams, produced a record-breaking 308 goals, and showcased the increasing competitiveness of nations from every continent.
For Morocco, however, the tournament will be remembered above all as another landmark achievement. Finishing seventh in the world and leading Africa once again confirms that the Atlas Lions have become one of international football’s most respected and consistent national teams.
Morocco’s economic outlook remains positive, Bank Al-Maghrib tells King Mohammed VI
King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, welcomed Bank Al-Maghrib Governor Abdellatif Jouahri to the Royal Palace in Tétouan on Monday, where the monarch received the central bank’s 2025 Annual Report on Morocco’s economic, monetary and financial performance. The annual royal audience highlights the close relationship between Morocco’s highest institutions and the country’s central bank, while showcasing the Kingdom’s continued economic resilience and long-term development ambitions.
Morocco Continues Its Economic Momentum
According to the report presented to the King, Morocco recorded 4.9% economic growth in 2025, driven primarily by strong investment, while average inflation remained remarkably low at 0.8%. Bank Al-Maghrib also continued its supportive monetary policy, reducing the benchmark interest rate to 2.25% and maintaining sufficient liquidity for the banking sector while encouraging financing for small businesses.
The report also noted continued improvements in Morocco’s public finances, with the budget deficit falling to 3.5% of GDP, alongside stronger foreign exchange reserves totaling 443 billion dirhams, equivalent to nearly five and a half months of imports.
Building a More Inclusive and Sustainable Morocco
While acknowledging the Kingdom’s positive economic trajectory, Jouahri stressed that future growth should benefit all Moroccans more broadly. He highlighted the importance of creating more jobs, reducing social inequalities, strengthening education and vocational training, encouraging greater private-sector participation and continuing structural reforms to support sustainable development.
The governor also pointed to strategic priorities including accelerating the energy transition, improving water resource management in response to climate change and advancing Morocco’s regional development agenda.
A Symbolic Commemorative Coin
During the audience, Abdellatif Jouahri also presented King Mohammed VI with a solid gold commemorative coin issued by Bank Al-Maghrib to celebrate the first anniversary of « Aid Al Wahda. » The commemorative piece reflects Morocco’s tradition of marking significant national milestones while showcasing the country’s rich numismatic heritage.
Tétouan Remains a Royal and Institutional Landmark
The audience once again placed Tétouan at the heart of Morocco’s institutional life. Frequently hosting official royal engagements, the northern city continues to embody the Kingdom’s blend of history, governance and cultural heritage. For visitors seeking to discover Morocco beyond its iconic tourist destinations, Tétouan offers a unique gateway into the country’s royal traditions, architectural beauty and modern institutional landscape.
Transfer News: Moroccan defender Issa Diop closes in on move to Ipswich Town
Issa Diop is set to continue his career in the Premier League. According to Foot Mercato, the Moroccan international defender is close to leaving Fulham to join Ipswich Town, who have been promoted to the English top flight.
The two clubs have reportedly reached an agreement for a transfer worth around €10 million, while the 29-year-old player has already agreed personal terms with Ipswich on a four-year contract. Only the traditional medical examination remains before the deal can be officially completed.
A 2026 World Cup that revived his market value
After an outstanding 2026 FIFA World Cup with the Atlas Lions, Issa Diop confirmed his importance within Morocco’s defensive setup. Strong in duels, dominant in the air, and valuable thanks to his experience, the 1.94m defender played a key role in Morocco’s run to the quarter-finals.
His performances during the World Cup increased his appeal on the transfer market and further strengthened his reputation as an experienced Premier League defender.
Strong experience in English football
Trained at Toulouse, Issa Diop joined West Ham before moving to Fulham in the summer of 2022.
In England, the Moroccan international has accumulated 173 Premier League appearances, valuable experience that convinced Ipswich Town to rely on him for their return to the top flight. With Fulham, Diop made 96 appearances over four seasons. However, his playing time decreased during the last campaign, with only 13 league appearances.
Fulham prepare for his departure
With one year remaining on his contract, Fulham have opted to sell their defender rather than risk losing him as a free agent in the summer of 2027. The transfer is expected to bring around €10 million to the London club.
For Issa Diop, this move to Ipswich represents an opportunity to regain a leading role in the Premier League and build on the positive momentum generated by his excellent World Cup campaign with Morocco.
Unless there is an unexpected issue during his medical examination, his move to Ipswich Town should be officially confirmed in the coming day.
FIFA Rankings: Morocco climbs to sixth in the world after the 2026 World Cup
Morocco has continued its rise on the international stage. Following its run to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Atlas Lions now occupy 6th place in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,803.99 points, moving up one position from the ranking published before the tournament.
This progress confirms Morocco’s status as the highest-ranked African and Arab nation, while Spain, crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions, has moved to the top of the global rankings.
The 2026 World Cup propels the Atlas Lions
Before the start of the World Cup, Morocco was ranked 7th in the world with 1,755 points. Its impressive campaign in the United States, Canada, and Mexico earned the team 48.99 ranking points, taking its total to 1,803.99 points.
Mohamed Ouahbi’s men once again demonstrated their ability to compete with the world’s elite before eventually losing to France in the quarter-finals.
The achievement further cements Morocco’s place among the world’s top national teams.
Morocco remains number one in Africa and the Arab world
At the continental level, the Atlas Lions comfortably retain their position as the **highest-ranked African national team.
The African rankings are now as follows:
1. Morocco (6th in the world)
2. Senegal (18th)
3. Egypt (24th)
4. Nigeria (26th)
5. Algeria (29th)
6. Côte d’Ivoire (31st)
Morocco also remains the highest-ranked Arab nation, ahead of Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Spain takes the top spot
Following its 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph, Spain has climbed to the top of the FIFA World Ranking.
The new world top six is as follows:
1. Spain
2. Argentina
3. France
4. England
5. Brazil
6. Morocco
By firmly establishing itself in the world’s top six, Morocco has once again demonstrated the remarkable progress it has made in recent years, reinforcing its position as the leading force in African and Arab football ahead of future major international competitions.
Transfer News: Moroccan star Azzedine Ounahi wanted by Ajax and Al-Ittihad after his 2026 World Cup
After an outstanding 2026 FIFA World Cup with the Atlas Lions, Azzedine Ounahi has once again become one of the most sought-after midfielders on the transfer market. The Moroccan international is now attracting interest from several clubs, with Ajax Amsterdam and Al-Ittihad leading the race.
According to transfer journalist Ekrem Konur, Ajax has taken the lead in the pursuit. The Dutch club has reportedly opened advanced talks with the Moroccan international and is believed to be closing in on an agreement for a move during the summer transfer window.
Competition from Saudi Arabia and Greece
Ajax will, however, have to contend with competition from Al-Ittihad, which is also eager to bring the Atlas Lion to the Saudi Pro League and could soon make its move.
In Greece, Panathinaikos, where Ounahi made an excellent impression during his loan spell, has reportedly not given up hope of signing him permanently. Meanwhile, rivals Olympiacos are also closely monitoring the situation and could enter the race if the opportunity arises.
A World Cup that revived his market value
The growing interest in Azzedine Ounahi is largely the result of his impressive performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he played a key role in Morocco’s historic run to the quarter-finals, marking the nation’s second consecutive appearance at that stage of the competition.
The Moroccan midfielder notably scored a brace against Canada in the Round of 16, helping the Atlas Lions secure a 3-0 victory. His technical quality, mobility, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game also earned widespread praise during Morocco’s quarter-final against France, despite the team’s elimination.
A transfer saga to watch
Thanks to his outstanding World Cup campaign, Azzedine Ounahi has significantly boosted his value on the transfer market. With concrete interest from Ajax Amsterdam, the ambitions of Al-Ittihad, and continued attention from leading Greek clubs, the future of the Moroccan international is shaping up to be one of the biggest stories of this summer’s transfer window.
