2026 World Cup: Amallah is wary of Canada
With just a few hours to go before the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match between Morocco and Canada, Selim Amallah has called for caution. In an exclusive interview with Le360 Sport, the Atlas Lions midfielder emphasised the need not to underestimate the Canadian side, despite Morocco’s previous victory over them at the 2022 World Cup.
The Moroccan international reflected on Morocco’s historic victory over Canada in Qatar, whilst pointing out that this new encounter will be very different. In his view, the Atlas Lions will need to approach this fixture with the utmost seriousness if they are to continue their run in the competition.
“It will be a match not to be taken lightly,” warned Selim Amallah.
The midfielder believes the Canadian side have improved since the last World Cup and now have greater experience on the international stage. He therefore expects a hard-fought encounter, where every detail could make the difference.
Buoyed by their victory over the Netherlands, the Atlas Lions go into this round of 16 tie aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals and keep their World Cup dream alive. Mohamed Ouahbi’s men are once again counting on their collective strength to take another step forward against Canada.
Morocco: 66th in the world for use of Anthropic’s Claude AI
Morocco continues to make strides in the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. According to the latest Anthropic Economic Index, the Kingdom ranks 66th in the world for its use of Claude, the generative AI platform developed by Anthropic.
Published by the US company, this index analyses how individuals and businesses use Claude across 121 countries. In particular, it assesses the level of usage of the platform relative to each country’s population, thereby providing an overview of the adoption of artificial intelligence on a global scale.
Morocco ahead of several countries in the region
In this ranking, Morocco is in 66th place worldwide, between Kuwait (65th) and Malaysia (67th). Within the North Africa and Middle East region, the Kingdom ranks behind Tunisia (47th), but ahead of Algeria (82nd) and Egypt (98th).
The index divides countries into four categories according to their level of Claude usage: leaders, above average, below average and emerging. Morocco is among the countries showing an intermediate level of adoption.
IT dominates usage in Morocco
The Anthropic Economic Index shows that Moroccan users mainly use Claude in the fields of computer science and mathematics, which account for 25.6 per cent of recorded conversations.
Education and libraries come in second place with 15.6 per cent, ahead of the arts, design, entertainment, sport and the media (13.2 per cent). The sales (7.3 per cent) and management (5.4 per cent) sectors round off the main uses of the platform in Morocco.
The study also reveals the six most common uses of Claude in the Kingdom: school homework, writing personal profiles, developing web interfaces, creating promotional content, designing presentations and providing support for launching entrepreneurial projects.
Australia tops the global rankings
Internationally, Australia ranks first in the Anthropic Economic Index. It is followed by Singapore, Switzerland, Luxembourg and New Zealand.
This ranking illustrates the growing adoption of artificial intelligence worldwide and highlights Morocco’s rising prominence in the use of generative AI tools, both in education and in professional and entrepreneurial activities.
2026 World Cup: Rotterdam closes its city centre ahead of Morocco v Canada
The excitement surrounding the Atlas Lions extends beyond Morocco’s borders. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match between Morocco and Canada, the authorities in Rotterdam have decided to close several streets in the city centre in anticipation of the gatherings of Moroccan supporters expected this Saturday.
This decision comes a few days after Morocco’s historic victory over the Netherlands. The Atlas Lions’ win sparked huge celebrations in several European cities, notably in Rotterdam.
Several roads closed ahead of Morocco v Canada
Rotterdam City Council has announced that, from 8 pm, the following streets will be closed: Coolsingel, Karel Doormanstraat, Eendrachtsplein, Mauritsweg, Stationsplein, Kruisplein, as well as the elevated road running alongside Weena.
West-Kruiskade and 1e Middellandstraat will also be closed, whilst Kruiskade will be inaccessible from 7 pm, as part of measures already in place to prevent public disorder. The authorities have, however, stated that the Weena tunnel and car parks in the area will remain open.
Measures following celebrations by Moroccan supporters
These restrictions follow the scenes of jubilation that accompanied Morocco’s victory over the Netherlands. Thousands of Atlas Lions supporters had flooded the streets of Rotterdam to celebrate their team’s qualification.
According to local media, the police intervened after around 90 minutes of celebrations in order to restore traffic flow and maintain order. Four people were arrested at the end of the celebrations.
With just a few hours to go before the clash between Morocco and Canada, the Dutch authorities are seeking to manage any further gatherings, whilst enthusiasm for the Atlas Lions continues to rally the Moroccan diaspora across Europe.
Morocco v Canada: Michael Oliver to referee the round of 16 tie
Morocco now knows the identity of the referee who will take charge of their 2026 World Cup round of 16 tie against Canada. FIFA has appointed Englishman Michael Oliver to referee the match, scheduled for Saturday at Houston Stadium.
The experienced English referee will be assisted by his compatriots Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, who will serve as first and second assistant referees respectively.
Dutch referee Danny Makkelie has been appointed as the fourth official. His compatriot Hessel Steegstra will act as the reserve assistant referee.
The winner of this clash between Morocco and Canada will secure their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where the Atlas Lions will aim to continue their historic run.
Morocco v Canada: what time and on which channels?
Morocco are continuing their World Cup dream. After knocking out the Netherlands following a nail-biting penalty shoot-out (1–1, 3–2), the Atlas Lions face Canada in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Mohamed Ouahbi’s men will be aiming to secure a historic place in the quarter-finals and continue their remarkable journey in the United States.
Buoyed by a remarkable run, the Moroccan side will face a Canadian team playing in front of their home crowd, with the ambition of reaching the world’s top eight. Once again, large numbers of Atlas Lions supporters will be tuning in to watch this decisive match.
What time is the Morocco v Canada match?
The round of 16 match between Morocco and Canada will take place on Saturday 4 July 2026 at 9.00 pm (Moroccan time).
Which channels are showing Morocco v Canada?
The match will be broadcast live on the channels holding the broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup in Morocco. Supporters of the Atlas Lions will also be able to watch the match live on the broadcasters’ official platforms.
Morocco: Royal Air Maroc launches 12 flights to Houston
Royal Air Maroc is stepping up its efforts to support the Atlas Lions’ fans at the 2026 World Cup. Following Morocco’s qualification for the round of 16, the national airline has announced the introduction of 12 special flights between Casablanca and Houston to enable fans to support the Moroccan team against Canada on 4 July.
As the official carrier of the Atlas Lions, Royal Air Maroc is responding to the enthusiasm generated by Morocco’s run at the 2026 World Cup. The airline is mobilising significant resources to facilitate supporters’ travel to the United States.
Over 3,000 seats for Moroccan supporters
For this special operation, Royal Air Maroc will operate 12 direct flights between Casablanca and Houston, offering a capacity of over 3,000 seats. This marks a first in the airline’s history, as it will be flying to Houston for the first time.
Tickets are available at a flat rate of 10,000 dirhams including tax for a return journey in economy class. They are non-changeable and non-refundable.
Royal Air Maroc rallying behind Morocco
In its press release, Royal Air Maroc states that it has mobilised all its technical, logistical and commercial resources to assist Moroccan supporters and support the national team.
The airline thus reaffirms its commitment to Moroccan football and the Atlas Lions, whose brilliant run at the 2026 World Cup continues to generate tremendous public enthusiasm. Following their victory over the Netherlands, Mohamed Ouahbi’s men will now aim to continue their World Cup campaign against Canada, with the expected support of thousands of Moroccan fans in the stands in Houston.
The African Advantage: The 2026 World Cup signals a new strategic era for African football
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is emerging as more than just a sporting event for African football. It is becoming a milestone that reflects a deeper structural shift: Africa is no longer only participating in global football dynamics, it is actively reshaping them.
Across the tournament, African national teams have delivered a level of performance that reflects a long-term evolution rather than a temporary surge. With nine African nations reaching the knockout stage, the continent has confirmed a new level of consistency and competitiveness on the world stage. This is no longer about isolated surprises; it is about a collective rise in standards, preparation, and ambition.
This progression highlights a key reality: African football is undergoing a transformation in its foundations. National teams are increasingly built on more structured systems, stronger talent pipelines, and improved tactical and physical preparation. As a result, they are now capable of competing regularly with traditional football powers, not just challenging them occasionally.
Within this context, Quick-Witted Management introduces a new analytical framework through its latest publication, The African Advantage – Strategic Intelligence Report. The report moves beyond match results and tournament narratives to examine what is driving this shift at a deeper level.
Rather than treating African football as a purely sporting subject, the report positions it within a broader ecosystem shaped by economics, governance, geopolitics, and global competition for talent. It explores how football is becoming a strategic sector for African states and institutions, influencing areas such as investment flows, international visibility, infrastructure development, and soft power.
Several structural drivers are identified behind this rise. New talent development models are emerging across the continent, often combining local scouting systems with international partnerships. Football academies are playing an increasingly central role in shaping a more professionalized pipeline of players. At the same time, the African diaspora continues to act as a powerful extension of the continent’s football ecosystem, contributing skills, experience, and global exposure.
Governance reforms within African football structures are also gradually improving organizational efficiency and competitiveness. In parallel, the growing use of data, analytics, and sports intelligence is influencing decision-making at both club and national team levels. Together, these shifts signal a slow but significant modernization of the entire system.
The report also emphasizes the expanding role of external sectors in this transformation. Investment in sports infrastructure, media rights, tourism linked to football events, and state-level sports diplomacy are increasingly shaping how African football evolves and positions itself globally. Football is no longer isolated from economic strategy—it is becoming part of it.
However, despite this progress, the transformation remains incomplete. Structural challenges persist, particularly in the areas of long-term planning, institutional stability, and the ability to retain value within local ecosystems. Many African football systems still face the risk of exporting talent without fully capturing the economic benefits of its development.
The key challenge identified is therefore not only performance, but sustainability: how to convert current sporting success into a durable strategic advantage that generates long-term economic, institutional, and social value for the continent.
Ultimately, The African Advantage frames African football as an emerging global force. The 2026 World Cup does not represent an endpoint, but rather a signal that the balance of influence in world football is gradually shifting. Africa is no longer only a talent supplier to global football—it is becoming a strategic actor within it.
The African Advantage
Operation Marhaba: 700,000 Moroccans living abroad have already returned
Operation Marhaba 2026 is off to a strong start. Since its launch on 10 June, 704,714 Moroccans living abroad (MREs) have returned to the Kingdom, representing an increase of 3.04 per cent compared with the same period in 2025, according to the latest figures published by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity.
This increase confirms the attachment of Moroccans living abroad to their country of origin and reflects the growing success of this annual operation, which facilitates the return of millions of MREs every summer. Marhaba remains one of the largest traveller reception schemes in the Mediterranean.
Airports remain the main point of entry for Moroccans living abroad
Between 10 and 30 June, airports welcomed 417,611 travellers, representing 59.25 per cent of all arrivals recorded since the start of the operation.
Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport retains its position as the Kingdom’s leading hub, accounting for 25.45 per cent of arrivals by Moroccans from abroad. It continues to play a central role in the reception arrangements put in place during the summer period.
Moroccan ports, for their part, recorded 287,103 passenger crossings, representing just over 40 per cent of total traffic. Thanks to its numerous links with European ports, Tangier Med has once again confirmed its status as the main maritime gateway for Moroccans living abroad.
Over 9,000 Moroccans supported
Beyond the visitor figures, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity is continuing its grassroots work with Moroccans around the world. During the first twenty days of the operation, 9,118 people received support at the various reception centres set up in Morocco and abroad.
The teams on the ground provide administrative, legal and medical assistance, whilst facilitating customs procedures and guiding travellers to ensure their return takes place under the best possible conditions.
Emergency situations have also required rapid intervention. In particular, the Foundation arranged the medical evacuation of a Moroccan national with suspected appendicitis, provided assistance to a Moroccan living abroad who had lost the keys to their vehicle in Spain, and organised medical care for a passenger injured on board a ferry travelling from Europe to Morocco.
At Tangier-Ibn Battouta Airport, teams also assisted a traveller suffering from complications related to diabetes and a heart condition, illustrating the importance of the medical support system deployed throughout the operation.
A system in operation throughout the summer
Under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the 26th edition of Operation Marhaba is running 26 reception centres, including 20 in Morocco and six in France, Spain and Italy – the main countries of residence for the Moroccan community abroad.
These centres will remain open throughout the summer season to welcome, guide and support Moroccans living abroad. With visitor numbers already on the rise in the first few weeks, the authorities expect arrivals to increase further during July, a month traditionally marked by a peak in the return of Moroccans living abroad.
Morocco: extreme heat and thunderstorms in several regions
Morocco is set to experience a spell of hot weather characterised by a sharp rise in temperatures. The Directorate-General of Meteorology (DGM) has issued an orange alert warning of a heatwave, accompanied locally by thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong gusts of wind in several provinces of the Kingdom.
A heatwave reaching up to 46°C
According to the DGM, temperatures ranging from 41 to 46°C are expected from Thursday to Sunday in the provinces of Kenitra, Taounate, Meknes, Fez, Moulay Yacoub, Khémisset, Sidi Kacem, Sidi Slimane, Khouribga, Fquih Ben Salah, Settat, Youssoufia, Rehamna, El Kelâa des Sraghna, Chichaoua, Marrakesh, Taroudant, Zagora, Tata, Assa-Zag, Boujdour, Es-Semara, Aousserd and Oued Ed-Dahab.
The Directorate-General of Meteorology is also forecasting temperatures ranging from 38 to 41°C in the provinces of Larache, Salé, Rabat, Skhirate-Témara, Nouaceur, Casablanca, Mohammedia, Berrechid, Benslimane, Médiouna, El Jadida, Sidi Bennour, Essaouira, Safi, Ouezzane, Khénifra, Béni Mellal, El Hajeb, Ifrane and Sefrou.
Thunderstorms with hail expected on Thursday
Alongside this heatwave, thunderstorms, sometimes accompanied by hail and strong gusts of wind, are forecast for this Thursday between 1.00 pm and 11.00 pm in the provinces of Chichaoua and Taroudant.
The DGM forecasts rainfall totals of between 15 and 25 mm, which may be accompanied by locally heavy thunderstorms.
In light of these weather conditions, the authorities advise residents in the affected areas to exercise caution, particularly when travelling, and to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Marrakech celebrates the 55th anniversary of the National Festival of Folk Arts
Marrakech is set to come alive to the rhythm of Moroccan traditions. From 2 to 6 July 2026, the ochre city will host the 55th edition of the National Festival of Folk Arts (FNAP), one of the Kingdom’s oldest cultural events. Under the theme ‘‘ Folk Arts: Treasures of Yesterday and Today”, this year’s festival will celebrate Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage through performances, songs and dances from the country’s various regions.
Organised by the Le Grand Atlas Association, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and several local institutions, the Festival continues the mission it has upheld since its creation in 1960: to preserve, pass on and promote Moroccan folk arts to new generations.
El Badiâ Palace regains its iconic role
One of the highlights of this 55th edition will be the return of the grand show at El Badiâ Palace. An iconic landmark of Marrakech, built in the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed El Mansour, this historic venue is once again taking on its role as the Festival’s main stage.
Against this backdrop steeped in history, folk troupes from different regions of the Kingdom will bring to life the traditional songs, music and dances that form the rich tapestry of Morocco’s cultural heritage.
Two new initiatives to showcase Morocco’s cultural heritage
The 2026 edition features two major new initiatives.
The first is a unique tribute dedicated to women’s Aïta, embodied by the singer Zina Daoudia. Through this initiative, the Festival highlights one of the most iconic musical expressions of Moroccan heritage and pays tribute to the vital role played by women in passing on this heritage.
The second new feature is the opening of the Medersa Ben Youssef as a new performance venue. For the first time, this historic monument will host Festival performances. Singer Nabila Maan will give a performance there that will create a dialogue between architectural heritage and Moroccan music, before other artists take the stage during the five days of festivities.
Marrakech, capital of living heritage
A city intrinsically linked to the National Festival of Popular Arts, Marrakech provides a natural setting for celebrating the Kingdom’s cultural diversity. Its famous Jemaâ El-Fna Square, listed by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, symbolises in itself the richness of Moroccan oral traditions.
For five days, folk troupes, musicians, dancers and artists from all regions of Morocco will take the audience on a journey into the heart of folk arts, demonstrating the vitality of a heritage that is still very much alive.
A legacy at the heart of Moroccan identity
For Mohamed Knidiri, president of the Le Grand Atlas Association, the festival’s longevity illustrates, above all, a constant commitment to preserving Moroccan culture.
“Fifty-five editions represent a loyalty that goes far beyond any one of us. This long history is not a trophy, but a responsibility. If the magic still works, it is because we have never treated these arts as a memory to be preserved, but as a movement to be nurtured. A nation that dances is a nation that remembers it is alive,” he emphasises.
Through this 55th edition, the National Festival of Popular Arts reaffirms its role as guardian of Morocco’s intangible heritage. More than just a cultural event, it celebrates a living memory that continues to be passed on, renewed and shared, showcasing the richness of the Kingdom’s traditions, with Marrakech serving as a showcase for this cultural identity.
