Nicolas Pépé’s joke about the history of Moroccan football is not going over well. The Ivorian striker had to issue a public apology after dating the sole triumph of the Atlas Lions to "1818", a mockery that inflamed social media as the AFCON approaches.
The Atlas Lions do not want to arrive unarmed against Brazil. To prepare for this top-level duel, the Federation is negotiating behind the scenes a friendly match against Ecuador as early as March, a dress rehearsal confirmed by the opposing coach who considers the agreement imminent.
Moroccan fans can prepare their trip to the American East Coast. FIFA has unveiled the detailed schedule of the Atlas Lions for the 2026 World Cup, with the highlight being an inaugural prestigious duel against Brazil in New York.
The draw for the 2026 World Cup revives the old demons of Scotland. The prospect of facing Morocco chills the British press, who see the Atlas Lions as a "bogey team" capable of inflicting a new historic correction after the trauma of 1998.
The draw for the 2026 World Cup has revived old memories for Moroccan football. By inheriting Brazil and Scotland in their group, Morocco is facing a configuration almost identical to that of 1998, a coincidence that coach Walid Regragui intends to exploit to motivate his troops.
Carlo Ancelotti does not hide his concern. While Group C seems manageable on paper, the Brazilian coach identifies Morocco as the major obstacle for the top spot, brushing aside Scotland and Haiti to focus on the Hakimi threat.
Walid Regragui displays limitless ambition. Barely after the draw in Washington, the national team coach is already projecting his Atlas Lions into the World Cup final, imagining a historic double confrontation against Brazil .
The die has been cast since Washington for Walid Regragui’s men. The Atlas Lions will have to measure up against the Brazilian giant in Group C , a major challenge that nevertheless opens up a royal path to qualification against Scotland and Haiti.
Achraf Hakimi has removed his orthopedic boot and is accelerating his rehabilitation to play in the Africa Cup of Nations at home. While the Moroccan full-back says he is certain to be ready on December 21, Paris Saint-Germain is more cautious about his actual fitness level.
Olympique de Marseille let him go for 6 million euros, but Girona may have the deal of the season. Azzedine Ounahi has dazzled La Liga this weekend with an exceptional goal against Real Madrid, confirming his status as the new technical leader of the Catalan club after mixed experiences in France.
Spain is the favorite to host the 2030 World Cup final, but Morocco is playing a trump card to convince FIFA. The Moroccan Football Federation is banking on its future 115,000-seat stadium in Casablanca to snatch the organization of the ultimate match from its Iberian neighbors.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has registered two high-profile reinforcements from Europe. FIFA has validated the changes in sports nationality of Mounir Chouiar and Aymean el Hani , allowing their immediate integration into the A’ team in Qatar and the U20 world champions.