Panathinaikos · Africa Cup of Nations · Midfielder · #21 · Morocco · 25 yrs
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Everton consider Assane Diao as a Jack Grealish alternative, Sunderland move closer to a record Geny Catamo deal, and Hull and Ipswich join the race for Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi as Premier League transfer activity intensifies.
Accusations linking the sacred hosting rights of the 2030 World Cup final to his bid for re-election have ignited a fierce global backlash. A relentless storm of controversy is battering FIFA President Gianni Infantino as explosive new allegations threaten to shake the very foundations of the beautiful game. Accusations linking the sacred hosting rights of the 2030 World Cup final to his bid for re-election have ignited a fierce global backlash. Amidst a growing rebellion from powerful soccer associations, Infantino’s embattled reign faces an unprecedented and perilous trial. The latest reports have fueled debate across the global game, with the issue emerging just months before the next FIFA presidential election. While the controversy continues to unfold, the national team preparing to co-host the centenary tournament remains at the heart of the discussion, as officials and governing bodies offer sharply different accounts of what took place behind closed doors. According to The Times, Infantino allegedly sought Morocco‘s public backing for his 2027 re-election campaign by offering the country the opportunity to stage the 2030 World Cup final at the under-construction 115,000-seat Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca. The report stated that the FIFA president traveled to Morocco for emergency meetings after losing support from several major soccer associations. It also claimed that Saudi Arabia, traditionally one of Infantino’s strongest allies, had yet to publicly endorse his candidacy, increasing the importance of securing support elsewhere. Azzedine Ounahi #8 of Morocco celebrates with teammates. Multiple reports suggested that Infantino met senior officials from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) during his stay in Rabat as he attempted to reinforce political backing ahead of the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 2027. Infantino’s presidency under growing pressure The allegations arrive during what many observers describe as the most difficult period of Infantino’s presidency. His leadership has been heavily criticized following the collapse of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a controversial proposal that sought to sell up to 20% of the commercial rights associated with the FIFA World Cup to private investors in a deal reportedly worth $4.2 billion. The proposal triggered widespread opposition from soccer stakeholders across the world, who argued that it risked commercializing the tournament beyond acceptable limits and undermining FIFA’s traditional non-profit model. Following intense backlash, FIFA abandoned the proposal, but criticism of Infantino continued to grow rather than disappear. FIFA firmly rejects the allegations As the story gathered momentum, FIFA released an official statement denying that any promises had been made regarding the 2030 World Cup final. The governing body stated: “It is false and misleading to claim the FIFA president has made any promise in relation to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 final. A decision will be made by FIFA in due course.” 🗣️ FIFA release a statement claiming Gianni Infantino has not promised the 2026 World Cup Final to Morocco: “It is false and misleading to claim the FIFA President has made any promise in relation to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 Final. A decision will be made by FIFA in due… pic.twitter.com/Ley4POMxnJ— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 5, 2026 The statement directly contradicted reports suggesting the hosting rights had become part of political negotiations surrounding the presidential election. Spanish soccer officials also insisted they had received no indication that plans for the final had changed, while Morocco’s federation reportedly denied knowledge of any formal agreement. Spain continues to expect the final The controversy also revived the long-running debate over where the 2030 World Cup final should be played. Spain has consistently argued that the showpiece match belongs on its soil, with Spanish Football Association (RFEF) president Rafael Louz
After shining in the Round of 16, France and Morocco will face each other in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup in one of the tournament's most anticipated matches. With that in mind, fans are closely watching Kylian Mbappé's availability, as he is expected to be the difference-maker. France face Morocco in the quarterfinals in one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 World Cup. Both Didier Deschamps’ team and Mohamed Ouahbi’s team are among the tournament’s best attacking sides, meaning individual quality could decide the match. Given how competitive the game is expected to be, fans are closely watching Kylian Mbappé‘s availability, as he is expected to be the difference-maker. Kylian Mbappé will start for France, as he has no suspensions or injuries. Head coach Didier Deschamps continues to view him as an undisputed starter, building the team’s play around him to maximize his goalscoring threat. As one of the tournament’s top scorers, he could arrive highly motivated, looking to score and equal or surpass Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Alongside Mbappé, Deschamps will keep his attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué. Beyond their goals, they will need more than ever to excel in counter-pressing after losing possession to prevent Morocco’s counterattacks. In addition, he will not make many changes to his starting lineup, as his team are in outstanding form and are highly versatile. While they do not arrive as top contenders, Morocco could still surprise France. Despite the significant absence of Ismael Saibari, they have alternatives in his roster, with Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi expected to take on leadership roles. Nevertheless, the main challenge will be the defensive aspect, as controlling it would give them a strong chance to hit France on the counterattack and push for victory, requiring quality finishing in front of goal. Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with Dayot Upamecano #4 and Michael Olise #11. France confirmed lineup vs Morocco With their outstanding performances at the 2026 World Cup, France arrive as clear favorites for their match against Morocco. Head coach Didier Deschamps appears determined not to make any changes to his starting lineup, keeping Kylian Mbappé as the focal point of his team. Although they are outstanding in attack, their most important aspect will be the defensive recovery of their full-backs, where they can limit Morocco’s attacking threat. Considering this, Les Bleus will lineup as follows: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé. Morocco confirmed lineup vs France Unlike France, Morocco arrive for today’s match with absences in their roster. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi will be without his top scorer, Ismael Saibari, due to a physical issue. As a result, Brahim Díaz will be under the spotlight, as he will have to take on a leading role. Nevertheless, the main challenge will be defensively, as they must contain the goalscoring threat of their opponents, who are one of the tournament’s top contenders. With this in mind, Morocco will play as follows: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Anass Salah Eddine; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui; Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilel El Khanouss; Chemsdine Talbi.
Let's take a closer look at the knockout scenarios and explore how the ultimate victor will impact the rest of the 2026 World Cup bracket. France and Morocco are colliding in a blockbuster 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash at Boston Stadium, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This decisive showdown in Boston guarantees that only one of these dynamic squads will secure a coveted ticket to the semifinals. Let’s take a closer look at the knockout scenarios and explore how the ultimate victor will impact the rest of the 2026 World Cup bracket. Thursday’s clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, is a rematch of the unforgettable 2022 World Cup semifinal, where France ended Morocco’s historic run with a 2-0 victory. Four years later, both nations arrive with ambitions of writing another memorable chapter. France enters the quarterfinal as one of the tournament favorites after another impressive campaign. Didier Deschamps’ squad has advanced through the competition with a series of convincing performances, although Paraguay pushed Les Bleus harder than any previous opponent during the Round of 16. Morocco continues to prove that its remarkable run in Qatar was far from a one-time achievement. The Atlas Lions reached another World Cup quarterfinal after eliminating Canada and remain one of the tournament’s most disciplined and dangerous sides. Kylian Mbappe of France shoots The fixture also carries emotional significance because several Moroccan internationals were born in France, while multiple French players share North African or Middle Eastern heritage. That unique connection gives this encounter an added layer beyond soccer. France arrives with confidence, while Morocco hopes to create more history France has scored freely throughout the tournament thanks to one of the deepest attacking units in international soccer. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue have consistently troubled opposing defenses. Mbappe has already found the net seven times during this World Cup and continues battling for another Golden Boot. France has also produced 14 goals while conceding only two, underlining why many consider Les Bleus the strongest remaining contender. DateFrance’s OpponentStageResultJune 16, 2026SenegalGroup StageWin (3–1)June 22, 2026IraqGroup StageWin (3–0)June 26, 2026NorwayGroup StageWin (4–1)June 30, 2026SwedenRound of 32Win (3–0)July 4, 2026ParaguayRound of 16Win (1–0) Morocco, meanwhile, has continued building on the momentum created during its groundbreaking 2022 World Cup campaign. Under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the Atlas Lions remain unbeaten in their last ten matches and have become one of Africa’s leading soccer powers. The reigning Africa Cup of Nations champion has impressed with organization, patience, and technical quality. Players like Achraf Hakimi, Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Diaz, and Yassine Bounou have given Morocco genuine belief that another upset is possible. DateMorocco’s OpponentStageResultJune 13, 2026BrazilGroup StageDraw (1–1)June 19, 2026ScotlandGroup StageWin (1–0)June 24, 2026HaitiGroup StageWin (4–2)June 29, 2026NetherlandsRound of 32Draw (1–1, won 3–2 on penalties)July 4, 2026CanadaRound of 16Win (3–0) What happens if France wins and Morocco loses? If France wins, regardless of whether it comes in regulation, extra time or a penalty shootout, Les Bleus will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals. Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with teammates after scoring France would then face the winner of Belgium vs Spain, keeping alive its pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup final appearance. Morocco’s remarkable tournament would come to an end before reaching another semifinal. What happens if France and Morocco draw? Although many supporters wonder what a draw would mean, a World Cup quarterfinal cannot finish level. Kylian Mbappe #10 of France converts the penalty to score If the match is tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time wi
After defeating Canada, Morocco secured their place in the quarterfinals, where they will face France. Ahead of this match, they have climbed the FIFA Men's World Ranking, reflecting their outstanding performances. Morocco arrived at the 2026 World Cup amid serious doubts about their competitiveness. After parting ways with Walid Regragui and losing stars such as Ez Abde, they appeared to have lost their status as one of the tournament’s favorites. Nevertheless, they managed to defeat Canada, advancing to the quarterfinals to face France. Just before the match, they climbed the FIFA Men’s World Ranking. According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Morocco are ranked 6th with 1803.99 points. Recognizing their strong form, they have gained one position, remaining among the best national teams of the world. Under Mohamed Ouahbi, they have keep their offensive brightness, emerging as the best scorers national teams. They are experiencing their best position in the ranking in their history, improving their competitiveness. Despite their historic run, Mohamed Ouahbi’s team remain far behind France in the rankings. Didier Deschamps’s team sit in 1st place with 1925.86 points, having climbed two positions since the start of the tournament. As the best offensive national team, they are expected to shine in the scoring side, having Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé as their leaders. However, they can still have some defensive problems, emerging as the main issue to resolve. Morocco also arrive in excellent form for their match against France. Not only have they been outstanding defensively, but they have also impressed in attack. Without Ez Abde on the pitch, they have turned to Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi as their attacking leaders, as Ismael Saibari will be absent through injury despite being one of the team’s biggest stars. They will need to take advantage of the pace of their full-backs to launch counterattacks. Azzedine Ounahi #8 of Morocco celebrates with teammates. Morocco’s strategy must first be solid on defense against France Unlike their previous matches at the 2026 World Cup, Morocco face one of the highest-scoring teams in the world: France. While they also favor an attacking approach, they could suffer a heavy defeat if they maintain that strategy. With this in mind, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi could keep his lineup with only slight changes, while making structural adjustments to the team’s defensive setup. If Mohamed Ouahbi’s team manage to maintain a compact and deep defensive block, they could limit the space available to Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. While Michael Olise and Désiré Doué can look to create openings with their dribbling, Morocco have proven to be very difficult to break down defensively. Moreover, they could take advantage of France’s high press by hitting on the counterattack and creating dangerous chances. Both defensively and offensively, Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui will be crucial. They will be responsible for containing the wingers while also providing the team’s first attacking outlet. Meanwhile, the intelligence of Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi could alsoprove decisive, helping Morocco control possession and distribute the ball efficiently. Nonetheless, their biggest challenge will be being clinical in front of goal.
The World Cup quarterfinal fixtures are now set, following some exciting matches and stunning goals in the round of 16. Six goals. One winner. 🗳️⚽ Vote for your favourite Round of 16 goal at https://t.co/dEK7FWRuvv.#FIFAWorldCup #Hyundai #HGOTT @Hyundai_Global pic.twitter.com/zrmXzzQMOl — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 8, 2026 The post Messi, Haaland, Fernandez… – Huge World Cup round-of-16 goals (Video) appeared first on SoccerNews.
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