RABAT: Morocco head into Friday’s FIFA World Cup draw in Washington brimming with confidence, determined to build on their trailblazing run to the semifinals in Qatar 2022 and prove their rise is no accident.
The Atlas Lions stunned the world three years ago, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of a World Cup after eliminating Spain and Portugal before falling to France.
Coach Walid Regragui, who masterminded that historic feat, said the challenge now was to sustain success. “Qatar was not a miracle,” Regragui told Moroccan state television. “It was the fruit of a long-term plan. At 2026, we want to go further. We have the talent, the mentality and the experience.”
Morocco’s ambitions rest on two pillars: a thriving youth system and a squad stacked with international stars. Achraf Hakimi, a Champions League regular with Paris Saint-Germain, headlines a group that includes Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat and Youssef En-Nesyri — all playing at the highest level in Europe.
Rising talents such as Abde Ezzalzouli and Bilal El Khannouss add depth and dynamism.
Morocco’s youth program has delivered unprecedented success. Coach Mohamed Wahbi guided his team to a historic FIFA Under-20 World Cup triumph in October, when they beat Argentina 2-0 in the final to become the first Arab nation to lift the trophy.
The under-17 side reached the quarter-finals of their World Cup, while the under-23 team claimed the Africa Cup of Nations and secured a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they went on to win bronze.
“The pressure is already there – all of Morocco wants the Africa Cup,” Wahbi told Al Arabiya TV, referring to this month’s continental tournament on home soil. “Winning the youth World Cup won’t add pressure on Regragui, it will motivate him. Everyone sees Morocco today as a leader in African football, and that’s the result of a clear project.”
Morocco’s football vision aligns with its global ambitions. The kingdom will co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
“Hosting 2030 is a responsibility and an opportunity,” said Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. “But first, 2026 is about proving that Morocco belongs among the elite.”
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“James is a player whose quality, vision, and experience at the highest levels of the game are unquestioned. We’re excited to add his creativity and football intelligence to our group,” the club’s sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad said in a statement.
“At the same time, this move is about collective strength — not about putting everything on one individual.”
Rodriguez, who won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup in a breakthrough tournament that earned him a move to Real Madrid, has become something of a footballing nomad in recent years.
Since the 2019-20 campaign, the playmaker has plied his trade across continents for Everton, Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, Sao Paulo, Rayo Vallecano and Leon before landing in Minnesota.
“I’m very happy for this new chapter in my life. I hope to be at my best so I can bring joy to this city and to all of the people who are putting their faith in me,” Rodriguez said.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all of the passionate Minnesota fans because I’m also a passionate player who wants to give everything on the field and always wants to win.”
Rodriguez will get his first chance to impress when the new MLS season kicks off on February 21, with Minnesota taking on Austin.
Morocco look to youth and experience to prove Qatar World Cup success was no fluke
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Morocco look to youth and experience to prove Qatar World Cup success was no fluke
- “Qatar was not a miracle,” Regragui told Moroccan state television
- “It was the fruit of a long-term plan. At 2026, we want to go further. We have the talent, the mentality and the experience“
Colombia’s Rodriguez signs for Minnesota on short-term deal
- Rodriguez will occupy an international squad spot pending a medical and receipt of his visa.
- “We’re excited to add his creativity and football intelligence to our group,” El-Ahmad said
MINNESOTA: Colombia captain James Rodriguez signed for Minnesota United on Friday, marking his seventh club since leaving Real Madrid in 2020 as the former World Cup Golden Boot winner continues his globe-trotting career.
The Major League Soccer club announced that the 34-year-old midfielder has signed a guaranteed contract through June 2026, with a club option to extend until December 2026.
Rodriguez will occupy an international squad spot pending a medical and receipt of his visa.
“James is a player whose quality, vision, and experience at the highest levels of the game are unquestioned. We’re excited to add his creativity and football intelligence to our group,” the club’s sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad said in a statement.
“At the same time, this move is about collective strength — not about putting everything on one individual.”
Rodriguez, who won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup in a breakthrough tournament that earned him a move to Real Madrid, has become something of a footballing nomad in recent years.
Since the 2019-20 campaign, the playmaker has plied his trade across continents for Everton, Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, Sao Paulo, Rayo Vallecano and Leon before landing in Minnesota.
“I’m very happy for this new chapter in my life. I hope to be at my best so I can bring joy to this city and to all of the people who are putting their faith in me,” Rodriguez said.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all of the passionate Minnesota fans because I’m also a passionate player who wants to give everything on the field and always wants to win.”
Rodriguez will get his first chance to impress when the new MLS season kicks off on February 21, with Minnesota taking on Austin.
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