World Cup 2026 : despite its elimination, Morocco will receive $21.5 million from FIFA
Eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup by France, Morocco leaves the competition with a significant financial reward. Thanks to its remarkable track record, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) should receive 21.5 million dollars from FIFA.
By finishing among the top eight selections of the tournament, the Atlas Lions place in the category of teams eliminated in quarterfinals, a result that entitles them to a **performance bonus of 19 million dollars*.
To this reward is added an allocation of $2.5 million* intended to cover the preparation costs incurred before the tournament. In total, the FRMF should thus receive **21.5 million dollars**, regardless of any additional expenses related to the organization of the competition.
It should be noted, however, that **$19 million** corresponds to the final bonus awarded to teams ranked between fifth and eighth place. This amount already includes participation in the competition and therefore does not have to be accumulated a second time with an attendance bonus.
Even if this award is lower than the amounts reserved for the four best nations in the world, it constitutes an important source of income for the FRMF. Indeed, FIFA is providing $50 million for the future world champion, $33 million for the runner-up, $29 million for the third and $27 million for the fourth.
Beyond the financial aspect, this journey confirms once again the progress of Moroccan football. After reaching the semi-finals in 2022 and then the quarter-finals in 2026, Morocco has established itself as a lasting presence among the major world football nations, while strengthening the FRMF’s resources to continue developing national football with a view to the upcoming events, notably the CAN and the 2030 World Cup.
Morocco: after the 2026 World Cup, Mohamed Ouahbi is already setting course for the CAN
Eliminated by France in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, Morocco is already planning its next goals. For the coach Mohamed Ouahbi, it is not a question of questioning the work accomplished, but rather to draw lessons from this defeat in order to prepare as well as possible the next African Cup of Nations.
The day after the elimination against Les Bleus (2-0), the Moroccan technician recognized the superiority of France, believing that the Lions of the Atlas had been forced to defend lower than expected. According to him, the technical and tactical mastery of the French prevented Morocco from developing its game and being more dangerous offensively.
In an interview with Arryadia, Mohamed Ouahbi explained that his team had never intended to suffer so much, but that it was pushed to back by the quality of the opponent. He also pointed out the lack of offensive solutions and moves to unbalance the French bloc.
Despite this disappointment, the coach refuses to talk about failure. He recalls that Morocco has once again reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup, confirming its status among the best selections in the world. He also believes that several young players have reached a milestone during the competition.
However, Ouahbi calls for a lucid analysis of this journey. He wants a constructive self-criticism in order to identify the areas of progress, especially against the major nations capable of imposing a rhythm and a style of play different from those encountered on the African continent.
The focus is now on the African Cup of Nations. From the next rallies, the Atlas Lions will return to the playoffs with a clearly stated goal: to clinch the qualification and then go for the continental title.
For Mohamed Ouahbi, this AFCON will also be an essential step in the preparation of Morocco for the 2030 World Cup, which the Kingdom will co-organize with Spain and Portugal. The coach is confident in the potential of his group, while recalling that expectations around the Atlas Lions have changed: it is no longer just a question of achieving a great run, but now to win trophies and sustainably confirm Morocco’s place among the major nations of world football.
World Cup 2026: the international press judges Morocco too cautious towards France
The elimination of Morocco against France (2-0) in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup has provoked many reactions in the international press. If the course of the Atlas Lions is widely praised, several media believe that the Moroccan selection has approached this poster with too much caution against Les Bleus considered superior.
According to Reuters, the game plan of Mohamed Ouahbi quickly showed its limits. The British media believe that Brahim Diaz found himself too isolated in attack and that the French midfielder, led by Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné, took control of the game. The agency also highlights the lack of offensive effectiveness of Morocco, which framed only one shot during the entire game.
For its part, The Guardian considers that the Atlas Lions have long resisted thanks to the interventions of Yassine Bounou, before giving in under French pressure. The British daily believes that Morocco has never managed to impose its usual offensive play nor to really worry the defense of the Blues.
The Associated Press also notes the difficulties of the Moroccans to create the danger and recalls that, as in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, France has won on the score of 2-0.
Despite the elimination, the performance of Yassine Bounou is unanimous. His penalty against Kylian Mbappé and several decisive interventions allowed Morocco to stay in the match for almost an hour.
In the Netherlands, the NOS described a French team « much too strong » for the Atlas Lions unable to take control of the game. In Spain, El País believes that the match has definitely changed after the break, while La Gazzetta dello Sport mentions a France playing « in another category », notably praising the performances of Manu Koné, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
If the analyses are critical of Morocco’s performance in this quarter-final, they also highlight the status now acquired by the Atlas Lions. With two consecutive qualifiers among the world’s top eight nations, the Kingdom confirms its long-term presence at the highest level of international football, even if this elimination is a reminder that there is still a step to take in order to reach the final four of a World Cup.
Morocco: the heatwave is receding after nine days of hot weather, but up to 46 °C remains expected
After nine days marked by an exceptional heat wave, Morocco is about to experience a slight respite. According to the General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM), temperatures should gradually decrease in several regions of the Kingdom thanks to the arrival of cooler Atlantic air currents, even if the heat will remain very marked in the interior of the country.
According to DGM forecasts, the heatwave will gradually recede in northern and central Morocco over the next few days. This trend should allow a gradual drop in temperatures, ending an episode during which peaks exceeded the seasonal normals by 5-13 °C in many regions.
However, this refreshment will not concern the entire territory. The regions of the South-East, the Oriental, the valley of the Moulouya and the southern provinces will continue to record particularly high temperatures. The maxima will still be able to reach between 41°C and 46°C in certain areas, while the coasts and reliefs of the Atlas will benefit from more lenient conditions, with temperatures between 25°C and 30°C.
Meteorologists also predict a return of some atmospheric instability at the beginning of next week, with a risk of localized thunderstorms on the reliefs of the Atlas, accompanied by a slight rise in temperatures in several regions.
This heat episode was caused by the rise of the Saharan thermal depression and the arrival of the chergui, a warm and dry wind coming from the Sahara. More than fourteen Moroccan cities exceeded 40 °C, while Smara recorded the highest temperature in the country with a peak of 47 °C.
Despite this particularly intense heat wave, the General Directorate of Meteorology points out that no absolute temperature record for the month of July has been broken so far. The authorities nevertheless invite the inhabitants of the most exposed regions to remain vigilant in the face of the hot weather that will still persist in several provinces of the Kingdom.
Morocco: first Arab and African country honored at the SummerStage in New York
Morocco will enter the history of the 40th edition of the famous SummerStage festival by becoming the first Arab and African country to be honored during an exceptional evening organized on July 15 in Central Park, New York.
Called « Morocco: From Dakhla to Casablanca« , this free event is organized in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME) and Maroc Festivals. It aims to promote the richness of Moroccan musical creation to the American public.
The program will highlight the diversity of the Kingdom’s sounds with renowned artists such as Hoba Hoba Spirit, Hamid El Kasri, Dakhla Casa Xpress, Mr ID and NDRK. Festival-goers will discover a musical journey combining gnawa music, hassanis rhythms, rock, electro and Saharan influences.
Beyond concerts, this initiative is part of the strategy of Maroc Festivals, launched in 2012 to promote Moroccan artists on the major international stages. Professional meetings with actors of the American music industry are also planned in order to create new opportunities for collaboration.
By becoming the first Arab and African country to be celebrated at SummerStage, Morocco confirms the growing influence of its cultural scene internationally. This evening aims to strengthen cultural exchanges between the Kingdom and the United States while highlighting a new generation of Moroccan artists who contribute to make known the richness and diversity of the national musical heritage around the world.
Morocco: the Atlas Lions return home after a historic journey at the 2026 World Cup
The national team of Morocco returned to the Kingdom on Sunday, after its remarkable journey during the 2026 World Cup, organized in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Atlas Lions landed at Rabat-Salé airport from Boston, where their adventure ended in the quarterfinals.
Morocco left the competition after a defeat against France (2-0), but Mohamed Ouahbi’s men leave with a new historic journey that confirms the growing place of the Kingdom among the best nations in world football.
The Atlas Lions had perfectly negotiated the group stage by finishing second with seven points, tied with Brazil, leader thanks to a better goal difference. The Moroccans shared points with the Seleção (1-1) before winning against Scotland (1-0) and Haiti (4-2).
In the knockout phase, Morocco continued their momentum by eliminating the Netherlands on penalties and then dominating Canada (3-0) to secure another qualification in the quarter-finals.
As the only African and Arab nation among the top eight teams in this first 48-time World Cup, Morocco confirms that its achievement in 2022 was no accident. This new performance illustrates the constant progress of Moroccan football and strengthens the status of the Atlas Lions on the international stage.
Despite the elimination against Les Bleus, the fans mainly retain a track record rich in emotions and performances, which nurtures great ambitions for the upcoming international events. Mohamed Ouahbi’s men leave the 2026 World Cup with the honor and conviction that Morocco is now one of the nations that matter in world football.
Morocco: The Atlas Lions return home after another remarkable run at the 2026 World Cup
Morocco is preparing to celebrate the return of its national football team following an impressive campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has announced that the Atlas Lions are expected to arrive at Rabat–Salé Airport in the early hours of Sunday, July 12, after departing from Boston, USA.
Led by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the Moroccan side saw its remarkable journey come to an end in the quarter-finals with a 2–0 loss to France. Nevertheless, the team returns home having once again etched its name into football history as the only African and Arab nation to reach the last eight of the tournament.
The achievement builds on Morocco’s groundbreaking semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, further establishing the Kingdom as one of Africa’s football powerhouses and a respected force on the world stage.
Supporters from across the country are expected to give the players a rousing welcome, celebrating a squad whose performances continue to inspire pride and highlight the enduring rise of Moroccan football.
Morocco: 2026 World Cup journey ends in the quarter-finals
Morocco’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end after a 2-0 defeat to France in the quarter-finals, bringing another memorable campaign for the Atlas Lions to a close.
After a balanced first half, Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 60th minute before Ousmane Dembélé added a second six minutes later to send France into the semi-finals.
Although eliminated, Morocco once again demonstrated why it remains one of Africa’s football powerhouses. The Atlas Lions reached the last eight after an impressive tournament, confirming the progress they have made since their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup.
Throughout the competition, Morocco displayed tactical discipline, resilience, and attacking quality against some of the world’s strongest teams, earning admiration from fans across Africa and beyond.
While their quest for a first World Cup semi-final since 2022 falls short this time, the Atlas Lions leave the tournament with pride, having once again represented African football with distinction on the global stage. Their quarter-final finish further cements Morocco’s place among the world’s elite national teams and reinforces the country’s growing influence in international football.
France vs. Morocco: Time and TV channel for the 2026 World Cup clash
France and Morocco are set for another blockbuster encounter as they meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Thursday, July 9, rekindling one of the tournament’s most memorable recent rivalries. The two sides face each other four years after their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar, where France secured a 2-0 victory to end Morocco’s remarkable run.
This time, the Atlas Lions will be aiming for revenge and another historic achievement as they continue their impressive campaign. France, meanwhile, is chasing a place in the semi-finals and remains on course to win a third FIFA World Cup title.
France vs Morocco: Match Details
- Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Boston, USA)
Where to Watch
The quarter-final will be broadcast live across several African broadcasters, including NCI, RTI Group channels, New World TV, and beIN SPORTS.
In Benin, fans will also be able to watch the match live on SRTB’s Bénin TV.
With a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake, another chapter is set to be written in one of international football’s most compelling modern rivalries.
