Morocco: Fouzi Lekjaa discusses Lamine Yamal’s decision to represent Spain
In the documentary Inside: The Rise of Moroccan Football, produced by Onze Mondial, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, discussed Lamine Yamal’s decision to represent Spain rather than Morocco. The Moroccan official insists that the Federation has always respected this decision.
When asked about the young FC Barcelona prodigy, Lekjaa made a remark that has already sparked a reaction: “I don’t know of any Spaniard called Jamal, and I don’t know of any player in the history of the Spanish national team who has gone by that name.”
The FRMF president nevertheless emphasised that Morocco has never sought to challenge the player’s decision. “We have respected Lamine’s choice and have never opposed it. We have never changed the way we deal with him or his family, who continue to spend their holidays in the northern provinces of Morocco, their homeland, where they will always be welcome,” he said.
Fouzi Lekjaa also emphasised that the Kingdom approaches such matters with equanimity. In his view, seeing players of Moroccan origin competing at the highest level, including for other national teams, is a testament to the quality of Moroccan football training and Morocco’s contribution to international football.
The official emphasised that the FRMF does not judge the choices of dual-nationality players through the prism of frustration or pride. “We are delighted that the Moroccan project has become a benchmark, but representing a national team remains, above all, a personal choice,” he explained.
Broadcast on the Onze Mondial YouTube channel, the documentary looks back at the strategy for developing Moroccan football, from the training of young talent to the rise of the Atlas Lions on the international stage. In particular, it features several key figures in national football, including Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Fathi Jamal and Mohamed Ouahbi.
2026 World Cup: Morocco, Africa’s last hope
Morocco will be much more than just a quarter-finalist when they face France on Thursday. Following Egypt’s elimination at the hands of Argentina, the Atlas Lions are now the sole representative of Africa and the Arab world still in contention in this 2026 World Cup. This status adds even greater significance to their clash with Les Bleus.
Egypt’s defeat by Argentina has left Morocco as the sole African and Arab nation to have qualified for the quarter-finals. Mohamed Ouahbi’s men will therefore bear the responsibility of carrying the hopes of an entire continent as they face one of the tournament’s hot favourites.
This latest performance confirms the rise of Moroccan football on the international stage. Following their historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals, the Kingdom is demonstrating that this success was by no means a one-off. Morocco has now established itself amongst the leading nations in world football.
To reach this stage of the competition, the Atlas Lions knocked out the Netherlands before thrashing Canada 3–0, displaying the collective solidity and clinical finishing that are now their strengths. These performances mean they can approach the quarter-final against France with ambition, but also with respect for their opponents.
A quarter-final with the air of a rematch
This fixture will inevitably bring to mind the 2022 World Cup semi-final won by France. This time, however, the context is different. Morocco are no longer approaching this match as underdogs, but as an established side capable of competing with the world’s best teams.
Beyond the sporting stakes, this match carries symbolic significance. The Atlas Lions now represent the hopes of millions of Moroccan supporters, as well as those of many football fans across Africa and the Arab world, who dream of seeing a nation from the continent continue its World Cup journey.
Facing Les Bleus, Mohamed Ouahbi’s men will have the opportunity to write a new chapter in the history of Moroccan football. Qualifying for the semi-finals would further cement Morocco’s place amongst the leading lights of international football and enhance the Kingdom’s standing on the world stage.
2026 World Cup: Saïbari continues his preparations ahead of Morocco v France
The Atlas Lions are continuing their preparations in Boston ahead of their 2026 World Cup quarter-final against France, scheduled for Thursday. During the penultimate training session, Ismaël Saïbari once again followed a personalised programme, under the supervision of the medical and coaching staff.
The session, which was open to the media for the first fifteen minutes, took place with the entire squad, with the exception of the Moroccan midfielder. Chadi Riad was also absent at the start of training before joining his team-mates once the journalists had left.
According to Hesport, Saïbari and Chadi Riad are continuing with specific training to speed up their recovery. Whether they feature against France will depend on how their fitness progresses over the next few hours.
With two days to go before this highly anticipated clash, Mohamed Ouahbi’s coaching staff are keeping a close eye on the situation regarding the two Moroccan internationals, hoping to be able to count on them for this decisive fixture.
The quarter-final between Morocco and France will take place on Thursday at 9.00 pm (Moroccan time), with a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup at stake.
2026 World Cup: Mohamed Ouahbi wants to shape the future of Moroccan football
With two days to go before the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against France, Mohamed Ouahbi has reaffirmed his vision for the Atlas Lions: to continue the progress of Moroccan football without becoming trapped by past achievements.
In an interview with Onze Mondial, the manager emphasised that he does not feel any pressure stemming from Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup.
“I don’t feel pressure, but I do feel a sense of responsibility. I’m looking to the future and at ways to improve. Today, we have a strong Football Association and a clear organisational structure,” explained the 49-year-old manager.
For Ouahbi, Morocco’s successes are the result of groundwork carried out by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, particularly in terms of training and developing young talent.
The manager also believes that players trained in Morocco are now every bit as good as those from European academies.
“We are naturally gifted in technical and tactical terms. We still need to improve in certain areas, particularly our finishing in front of goal,” he emphasises.
Finally, Mohamed Ouahbi calls for the Atlas Lions’ style of play to continue evolving.
“Football is evolving very quickly. We mustn’t get stuck in a single tactical philosophy. The key is to put individual qualities at the service of the team,” he concludes.
These statements come as Morocco continues its preparations for its quarter-final against France on Thursday in Boston, aiming to continue its historic run at the 2026 World Cup.
Transfer news: José Mourinho is counting on Moroccan Brahim Diaz at Real Madrid
Brahim Diaz’s future at Real Madrid appears to be taking shape. As José Mourinho prepares to return to the Real Madrid dugout, the Portuguese manager has reportedly decided to place his trust in the Moroccan international for next season.
According to Defensa Central, Brahim Diaz is among the players the ‘Special One’ wishes to keep. The Portuguese manager is said to particularly value the Atlas Lion’s versatility, technical ability and capacity to play in several attacking positions.
According to the Spanish media outlet, José Mourinho believes he can get the best out of the 26-year-old and plans to give him a key role in his sporting project at Real Madrid.
This confidence comes at a time when Brahim Diaz is shining with the Atlas Lions at the 2026 World Cup. The Moroccan playmaker has already distinguished himself with four assists, contributing to Morocco’s historic run to the quarter-finals, where Mohamed Ouahbi’s side will face France.
Conversely, several players could leave Real Madrid during the upcoming transfer window. According to the same source, Eduardo Camavinga and Raúl Asencio are among those likely to be on their way out.
If this trend continues, Brahim Diaz could start the coming season in a stronger position at Real Madrid, buoyed by his performances for Morocco and the confidence José Mourinho is said to have in him.
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2026 World Cup: Morocco v France, a reunion in the quarter-finals
The eagerly awaited clash is set to take place. Following their brilliant 3–0 victory over Canada, Morocco will face France again in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Les Bleus secured their place in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Paraguay, thanks to a penalty from Kylian Mbappé.
The Atlas Lions now know their next challenge. On **9 July in Boston**, they will attempt to secure a place in the semi-finals against France, in a fixture that inevitably brings to mind the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup.
France scrape through thanks to Mbappé
Facing a combative Paraguay side, Didier Deschamps’ men struggled for a long time to break the deadlock. Solid in defence, the South Americans held out for over an hour before conceding a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé in the 70th minute.
That goal was enough to seal victory for Les Bleus, who join Morocco in the quarter-finals.
Morocco go into the match full of confidence
Unlike France, Morocco were in complete control of their round of 16 tie against Canada. After an evenly matched first half, the Atlas Lions made the difference after the break thanks to a brace from Azzedine Ounahi, before Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory once and for all in added time.
This qualification confirms the excellent form of Mohamed Ouahbi’s side, who have reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the second time in a row – a first in the history of African football.
A quarter-final with great symbolic significance
This clash between Morocco and France extends far beyond the sporting arena. It brings back memories of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, won by Les Bleus, and is generating immense interest on both sides of the Mediterranean.
But this time, the Atlas Lions are approaching this fixture in a completely different light. Now firmly established amongst the world’s footballing greats, the Moroccans will have the opportunity to prove their worth against one of the tournament’s favourites and to pursue their dream of reaching their first consecutive semi-final.
2026 World Cup: what Morocco can learn from France v Paraguay
France have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, but their hard-fought 1–0 victory over Paraguay exposed several weaknesses. Ahead of their clash with Les Bleus in Boston, Morocco can draw valuable lessons from this performance, which was characterised by a lack of fluidity in attack and a heavy reliance on individual brilliance.
Didier Deschamps’ side secured their place in the next round thanks to a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé, at the end of a largely tight-knit encounter in which clear-cut chances were few and far between.
France struggle against a compact defence
Paraguay caused Les Bleus considerable problems by defending with a deep-lying and highly disciplined block. For over an hour, France struggled to speed up the play and create space.
The statistics illustrate these difficulties: Les Bleus did not register their first shot on target until the 55th minute. Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise were effectively contained by Paraguay’s defensive organisation.
After the match, Didier Deschamps himself acknowledged how difficult the game had been.
“It was a difficult match,” said the French manager, noting that this fixture had allowed his team to test themselves against a particularly tough opponent.
Lessons learnt ahead of Morocco v France
For the Atlas Lions, this match provides valuable lessons ahead of the quarter-final. Paraguay demonstrated that by closing down space and applying disciplined pressure, it was possible to disrupt France’s attacking play.
The heat, approaching 38 °C in Philadelphia, also affected the pace of the match, but it does not, on its own, explain the difficulties faced by Les Bleus.
Morocco can believe in their chances
Solid defensively and effective on the counter-attack since the start of the tournament, the Atlas Lions possess qualities that could cause problems for France.
Following their convincing 3–0 victory over Canada, Mohamed Ouahbi’s men go into this quarter-final full of confidence. Whilst France remain clear favourites, Morocco’s momentum and collective organisation give them every reason to believe they can progress and continue their remarkable run at the 2026 World Cup.
2026 World Cup: Ayyoub Bouaddi faces France once again whilst representing Morocco
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarter-final between Morocco and France, Ayyoub Bouaddi’s career is once again in the spotlight. Having come through the French football system and played for every age group of Les Bleus, the LOSC midfielder ultimately chose to represent the Atlas Lions – a decision that has enabled him to compete in the World Cup with Morocco today.
Born in the Paris region, Ayyoub Bouaddi played for France for many years, from the U16s right up to the Under-21s. At just 18, however, he decided to represent Morocco at the highest level, joining Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
This decision quickly proved to be a wise one. A first-team regular for the Atlas Lions, Bouaddi has been part of Morocco’s remarkable run, having qualified for the quarter-finals where they will face… France.
Guy Stéphan reflects on Bouaddi’s decision
At a press conference, Didier Deschamps’ assistant acknowledged that the French coaching staff had been following the young midfielder’s progress for some time.
“Of course we know him. He’s a product of the French youth system through and through,” said Guy Stéphan.
The French coach refused, however, to describe him as a player “lost” to France, believing that Bouaddi had simply chosen to represent Morocco.
“We’re not going to blame him,” he added.
France did not want to stand in the way of his choice
Guy Stéphan also explained Didier Deschamps’ philosophy regarding dual-nationality players.
According to him, the France manager never wanted to call up Ayyoub Bouaddi just for a few minutes in order to subsequently prevent him from representing another national team.
“Didier doesn’t want to stand in a player’s way,” explained the French manager’s assistant.
The French national team’s coaching staff also point out that competition is particularly fierce in midfield, with players such as Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Manu Koné and N’Golo Kanté.
Morocco put their faith in Bouaddi
In contrast, Morocco were quick to give the young LOSC talent his chance. Impressed by the Atlas Lions’ sporting project, Bouaddi chose to represent the Kingdom – a decision he has always described as natural and a choice he stands by.
A few months later, he is set to play in a World Cup quarter-final against the country where he was trained, with the ambition of continuing Morocco’s historic run in the 2026 World Cup.
2026 World Cup: Morocco welcomes back a in-form Azzedine Ounahi
Azzedine Ounahi has once again led Morocco to the top. Scoring a brace against Canada in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, the Atlas Lions midfielder has confirmed his pivotal role in the Moroccan team’s campaign. Although less prominent at club level in recent seasons, he regains his full influence when wearing the national team’s shirt.
Against Canada, Ounahi was one of the key architects of Morocco’s 3–0 victory. The midfielder scored the first two goals of the match, putting the Atlas Lions on course for a historic qualification for the quarter-finals.
The first goal came following a well-worked free-kick routine, before he finished off a perfectly executed counter-attack led by Chemsdine Talbi to complete a decisive brace.
Ounahi returns to his best form with Morocco
Having first come to the public’s attention at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Azzedine Ounahi subsequently joined Olympique de Marseille before going out on loan to Panathinaikos, then continuing his career at Girona.
Whilst his club career has at times been inconsistent, his performances for the Atlas Lions have remained consistent. Under Mohamed Ouahbi, the Moroccan midfielder has been given a more attacking role, allowing him to fully showcase his technical skills and his ability to break through opposition defences.
“Magic Johnson”, a nickname that sums up his talent
When asked about Ounahi’s profile, former Moroccan international Nordin Jbari did not hesitate to compare him to a sporting legend.
“I call him Magic Johnson,” he said, praising his vision, creativity and ability to deliver unexpected passes.
A comparison that illustrates the Moroccan midfielder’s influence on the Atlas Lions’ attacking play.
A major asset ahead of the clash with France
Despite the emergence of a new generation, epitomised in particular by Ayyoub Bouaddi, Azzedine Ounahi remains one of Morocco’s technical leaders.
His mobility, footballing intelligence and ability to break through defences continue to make the difference in big matches. His brace against Canada comes at the perfect time ahead of the quarter-final against France, where the Atlas Lions will once again be counting on their playmaker to continue their exceptional journey at the 2026 World Cup.
