Morocco news

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has thanked Paris Saint-Germain and president Nasser Al-Khelaifi for their role in helping Achraf Hakimi return to fitness, as the Atlas Lions captain nears a return for his national side at AFCON after the best part of two months on the sidelines. Hakimi is expected to feature in hosts Morocco's final group game against Zambia on Monday, and Regragui praised 'gentleman' Al-Khelaifi for allowing Hakimi to join up with his national side early to aid his recovery.

Here is the official group-stage draw for the 2026 World Cup and the full match schedule.

Discover the 2026 World Cup dates, match schedule, group standings, results and every channel broadcasting the tournament.

Morocco kicked off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday with a 2-0 win against Comoros, with Ayoub El Kaabi's overhead kick to clinch the victory likely to be remembered as one of the goals of the tournament. The Atlas Lions are tournament hosts and hoping to become the kings of the continent for the first time in their history having never won AFCON before.

How to watch the Africa Cup of Nations match between Morocco and Comoros, as well as kick-off time and team news.

In Europe, much of the build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has unfortunately - but inevitably - focused on which clubs will be most affected by the tournament's scheduling slap-bang in the middle of the season. As an incredibly prestigious tournament that rarely fails to deliver a barely-believable amount of drama, the AFCON deserves so much better.

Born in Spain to a Moroccan father and Equatoguinean mother, Lamine Yamal has taken world football by storm after rising quickly through Barcelona's famed La Masia youth academy. But while his decision to represent Spain on the international stage has already delivered a European crown for the youngster, one Morocco legend says he made the wrong decision.

Manchester United reportedly complained to FIFA after Morocco refused to allow Noussair Mazraoui to play in the club's Premier League game against Bournemouth. The Red Devils believed that the defender should have been eligible under the Africa Cup of Nations release arrangements. FIFA’s regulations state that players selected for AFCON squads must be released seven days before their nation’s opening fixture, with the release period beginning on December 15 - the day of the Bournemouth clash.

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How to watch the FIFA Arab Cup match between Morocco and UAE, as well as kick-off time and team news

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The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.

Hakim Ziyech has completed a stunning return to Moroccan football, joining Wydad Casablanca on a free transfer after being linked with a move to La Liga side Sevilla last month. The 32-year-old, who famously helped Chelsea lift the Champions League in 2021, now returns to his homeland for the first time in his club career.