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.
December 18, Qatar National Day, is set to witness yet another important footballing milestone when the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final takes place at the Lusail Stadium in Doha. The special date for the Middle-East nation has already been associated with some tectonic moments in world football, especially the one three years back.
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.
Three of the four semifinalists of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 will be seen at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer. Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have laid down their readiness for the global showpiece next summer with a strong showing in Qatar. One of them will hope to land the ultimate regional crown before setting their sights on the World Cup.
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.
After suffering a brutal ankle injury against Bayern Munich that left fans fearing the worst, Morocco’s captain Achraf Hakimi may yet rise in time for the Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Walid Regragui has voiced unwavering faith in his “irreplaceable” right-back, insisting Hakimi’s recovery powers and spirit could defy medical timelines.
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.
Ex-West Ham United centre-back Nayef Aguerd has spoken about the ordeal he was put through by what is thought to have been an overzealous fan. The defender was at the airport in Marseille, waiting to fly to Morocco to link up with his national team for upcoming games, when he was attacked out of nowhere.
Morocco
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