Morocco FA backs Mohamed Ouahbi and steps up preparations for 2030 World Cup
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has reaffirmed its confidence in head coach Mohamed Ouahbi while outlining an ambitious roadmap towards the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
Meeting on Thursday, July 16, under the chairmanship of FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, the federation’s Executive Committee reviewed Morocco’s 2026 World Cup campaign and discussed preparations for the historic 2030 tournament.
Lekjaa sets sights on 2030
Opening the meeting, Lekjaa stressed the need to mobilize every stakeholder in Moroccan football to ensure the successful organization of the 2030 World Cup. He described the tournament as a national strategic project aligned with the vision of King Mohammed VI, calling for close coordination between the Morocco 2030 Foundation, the FRMF and the country’s national and regional leagues.
The federation also urged the leagues to modernize their structures and working methods so they can play an active role in delivering a successful World Cup and leave a lasting legacy for Moroccan football.
Morocco’s World Cup campaign praised
The Executive Committee described the Atlas Lions’ performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as « positive and honorable » after the team reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by France. FRMF officials hailed the campaign as further evidence of Morocco’s steady rise on the international stage, following its historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup.
The federation noted that the achievement reflects years of sustained investment and development, highlighting Morocco’s rise from 84th in the FIFA rankings in 2018 to sixth in the world. Officials also pointed out that Morocco’s path in the tournament included several matches against teams ranked among the world’s top ten.
FRMF dismisses rumours
The Executive Committee also condemned what it described as false information and rumours circulated after Morocco’s quarter-final defeat to France. Lekjaa defended the commitment and professionalism of the national team players, insisting they represented the country with determination throughout the tournament.
He added that the federation had provided the squad with the best possible preparation, including logistical and moral support for players’ families during the competition. The FRMF called for greater responsibility in protecting the national team’s environment from misinformation that could affect its stability and performances.
Ouahbi retains federation’s confidence
At the end of the meeting, the Executive Committee officially confirmed Mohamed Ouahbi as head coach of the Atlas Lions. By renewing its trust in the 49-year-old coach, the FRMF reaffirmed its commitment to continuity as Morocco looks to remain among the world’s leading football nations while preparing for future continental competitions and the 2030 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
Transfer News: Why PSG decided against signing Ayyoub Bouaddi
After an impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with the Atlas Lions, Ayyoub Bouaddi continues to attract the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs. Although Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was at one point linked with the Moroccan LOSC midfielder, the French club reportedly never made his signing a priority.
According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, PSG decided not to strengthen its midfield after extending the contracts of Fabián Ruiz and young midfielder Senny Mayulu. Although Bouaddi is highly regarded by the club’s management, he was therefore never considered a concrete target during this summer transfer window.
Manchester City steps up its pursuit
While PSG has stepped aside, competition in the Premier League is intensifying. According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City has accelerated talks with LOSC and is actively working on the deal in an effort to convince the young Moroccan international.
Arsenal, Tottenham, and several other English clubs are also monitoring the situation, but the Citizens currently appear to be the most determined to secure the signature of the 18-year-old player.
Under contract with Lille until 2029, Bouaddi has seen his market value rise following his outstanding World Cup performances with Morocco. His future now appears increasingly likely to be in England, where several top clubs are already competing to sign one of European football’s brightest young talents.
Morocco: Achraf Hakimi, a commitment that goes beyond a simple image
The disappointment following Morocco’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup should not overshadow Achraf Hakimi’s journey with the Atlas Lions. That is the message shared by journalist Saïd Amdaa on the social media platform X, in response to criticism directed at the Moroccan full-back.
According to him, a few seconds captured after the defeat cannot summarize the commitment of a player who chose to represent Morocco as early as 2017, at a time when the national team had not yet achieved the level of recognition it enjoys today.
The journalist also recalled that Hakimi has always shown a strong attachment to the national team jersey, mentioning in particular his emotion at the prospect of missing the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be hosted by Morocco, as well as his discussions with Paris Saint-Germain in order to represent the Moroccan national team at the Olympic Games.
While the frustration following the defeat to France is understandable, Saïd Amdaa believes it should not call into question the dedication of the Atlas Lions’ captain.
The journalist also referred to the recent comments made by Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who said that, in a few years, Achraf Hakimi would be regarded as « the best right-back in the world, » a status that many already believe he has earned through his performances for both Morocco and his club.
Morocco U17 women’s team to compete in the UNAF tournament ahead of the World Cup
Morocco’s U17 women’s national team will take part in the Union of North African Football (UNAF) tournament, which will be held in Tunisia from July 16 to 23, as part of its preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which Morocco will host.
Organized as a mini-league tournament, the competition will feature Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, and Botswana, according to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The Atlas Lionesses will begin their campaign on July 18 against Botswana at Kram Stadium, before facing Libya on July 20 at the same venue. They will conclude the tournament on July 22 against Tunisia at Ariana Stadium.
For the Moroccan team, the tournament represents an important step in the preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with the objective of gaining experience and fine-tuning the team’s cohesion ahead of the global tournament on home soil.
Morocco : Yassine Hssine breaks his national 200m record again
Moroccan sprinter Yassine Hssine continues to make history in Moroccan athletics. At the Gyulai István Memorial meeting in Budapest, held as part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold, the 23-year-old Moroccan set a new national record in the 200 metres, clocking 19.92 seconds.
Hssine improved on his own previous national record of 19.97 seconds, which he had set just a few weeks earlier, further extending his achievement as the first Moroccan to run the distance in under 20 seconds. This performance marks the fourth consecutive national record set by the young sprinter, who has continued to push his limits since the start of the season.
With this new time, Yassine Hssine further confirms his status as the fastest 200m sprinter in the history of Morocco and the Arab world, while continuing his rise among the world’s leading specialists in the event.
Morocco : Text messages reveal an early role in the 2030 World Cup bid
Morocco may have begun working on the joint 2030 FIFA World Cup bid as early as 2018, several years before it was officially announced in March 2023. This is according to the Spanish media outlet The Objective, which claims to have reviewed text message exchanges involving former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, Morocco’s ambassador to Spain Karima Benyaich, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
According to the report, Rubiales told the Moroccan diplomat as early as June 2018 that Spain, Portugal, and Morocco would « host a World Cup together. » A few weeks later, he reportedly presented the project to Pedro Sánchez as a genuine « matter of state, » receiving a favorable response.
Morocco at the heart of the project from the beginning?
If these exchanges are authentic, they suggest that the idea of a three-country bid was already under consideration long before it was officially announced. However, it was only in March 2023, in Kigali, that King Mohammed VI announced Morocco’s inclusion in the joint bid with Spain and Portugal.
These revelations have fueled debate in Spain, where some believe that Morocco’s inclusion has reshaped the competition, particularly in the race to host the 2030 World Cup final between Madrid, Barcelona, and Casablanca.
For the Kingdom, they reinforce the idea that Morocco did not join the project at the last minute but was involved in the discussions leading to the joint bid from a very early stage. However, the message exchanges published by The Objective have not, at this stage, been officially confirmed by the parties involved.
Morocco : Lamine Yamal’s grandmother’s remarks resurface
The statements made by Fouzi Lekjaa regarding Lamine Yamal’s origins continue to spark reactions in Spain. In this context, comments made in 2024 by the FC Barcelona forward’s paternal grandmother have resurfaced in several Spanish media outlets.
Speaking on the Espejo Público program on Antena 3, she defended her grandson’s decision to represent Spain. « This child is not from Morocco. He was born here and raised here, » she said, arguing that the player’s decision was a natural one given his upbringing.
She also denied that there had been any family pressure, stating that Mounir Nasraoui, Lamine Yamal’s father, had never tried to influence his choice of national team.
These comments have resurfaced following Fouzi Lekjaa’s recent statements, in which he recalled the Moroccan origins of the player’s family while insisting that Morocco had always respected his decision to wear the Spain national team jersey.
Despite the recurring debate surrounding his international allegiance, Lamine Yamal has always maintained his decision to represent La Roja, while the Moroccan football authorities continue to state that they respect his choice.
Morocco : Jazzablanca 2026 comes to a close with another popular success
The 19th edition of Jazzablanca came to an end in Casablanca after ten days of concerts that attracted nearly 100,000 festivalgoers. Held from July 2 to 11 at Anfa Park and the Arab League Park, the festival once again confirmed its status as one of Morocco’s leading music events.
This year’s edition featured numerous international headliners, including Robbie Williams, Scorpions, Mika, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jorja Smith, Jessie J, Naika, and Rilès, while also giving the spotlight to emerging artists from a wide range of musical backgrounds.
A festive closing night in Casablanca
The final evening reflected the festival’s diversity. Sara Moullablad opened the celebrations with a blend of jazz, Brazilian sounds, and chaâbi music, followed by performances from Madison McFerrin and Hind Ennaira & Omary, who combined soul, R&B, gnaoua music, and electronic sounds. On the Casa Anfa Stage, Jorja Smith performed her very first concert in Morocco before Jessie J brought the festival to a close with an energetic performance, highlighted by a surprise appearance from the British singer.
Remaining true to its identity, Jazzablanca also gave a prominent place to jazz through the Stage 21, which hosted several international artists while also embracing soul, blues, afrobeat, and African music. The 2026 edition also took place alongside the FIFA World Cup, with a dedicated area broadcasting the matches of the Atlas Lions, further enhancing the festival’s friendly atmosphere.
In total, nearly 1,800 people took part in organizing the event, alongside more than 600 artists, musicians, and technicians, contributing to the success of an edition that further confirms Jazzablanca’s place among Africa’s leading music festivals.
Morocco : Diesel and gasoline prices rise again
After three consecutive price cuts, fuel prices in Morocco will increase starting this Thursday. Diesel will rise by 0.70 dirham per litre, while gasoline will increase by 0.38 dirham per litre, according to the National Federation of Service Station Owners, Traders, and Managers.
This price increase brings to an end a series of successive reductions in pump prices. The Federation said it had been informed of the adjustment by one of the Kingdom’s leading fuel distribution companies as part of the bi-monthly pricing revision.
The increase is mainly due to developments in the global oil market, which has been affected in recent days by ongoing geopolitical tensions. Despite a slight decline in crude oil prices on Wednesday, prices remain supported by uncertainty surrounding global supply.
According to Reuters, Brent crude was trading at $83.62 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell to $78.53 per barrel. Markets also reacted to a smaller-than-expected decline in U.S. crude oil inventories, a factor that continues to influence international oil prices.
With this latest increase, Moroccan motorists are seeing fuel prices rise again after several weeks of relative stability.
2026 World Cup : Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise and Jennifer Hudson expected at the final
FIFA has unveiled the program for the closing ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York–New Jersey, ahead of the tournament final.
The ceremony will feature several international celebrities, including Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, IShowSpeed, and Tom Cruise, who will make a special appearance. Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States national anthem before kick-off.
The final will also feature the first-ever halftime show in FIFA World Cup history, inspired by the Super Bowl. Overseen by Chris Martin of Coldplay, the performance will include Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna, Burna Boy, and BTS, in support of Global Citizen’s education fund.
Produced in collaboration with Balich Wonder Studio, the ceremony will pay tribute to the journey of the 48 national teams that took part in this historic edition hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to FIFA, the show will celebrate the passion, cultural diversity, and universal appeal of football before the crowning of the new world champion.
