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🇲🇦 Six Moroccan Players Featured in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Quarter-Finals

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🇲🇦 Six Moroccan Players Featured in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Quarter-Finals

July 4, 2025 – Moroccan football continues to rise on the global stage, with six standout players competing in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Representing elite clubs including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Al Hilal, and Bayern Munich, these Moroccan internationals and prospects reflect the depth of talent fueling Morocco’s golden generation.


🇪🇸 Real Madrid

  1. Brahim Díaz – A dynamic attacking midfielder, Díaz has become a key figure at Real Madrid. Since committing to the Moroccan national team in 2024, he’s delivered standout performances in La Liga and on the international stage. His vision, dribbling, and ability to create chances make him a major threat in the final third.
  2. Youssef Lekhedim – A rising defensive talent in Real Madrid’s squad, Lekhedim represents the new wave of Moroccan youth making its way through elite European academies. His inclusion in the tournament squad signals both Real Madrid’s faith in his development and Morocco’s future in defense.

🇫🇷 Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

  1. Achraf Hakimi – Widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, Hakimi leads PSG’s defense with pace, composure, and attacking flair. A standout in both the Champions League and early Club World Cup matches, Hakimi was named to the tournament’s Best XI.

🇸🇦 Al Hilal

  1. Yassine Bounou – Morocco’s legendary goalkeeper, now starring for Al Hilal, made headlines after a heroic 10-save performance that knocked out Manchester City. Bounou’s leadership and big-match presence earned him a spot in the Club World Cup Best XI.
  2. Abderrazak Hamdallah – The powerful striker, brought in on a short-term transfer, has added much-needed firepower to Al Hilal’s attack. Known for his finishing and aerial threat, Hamdallah is key to the Saudi club’s semifinal ambitions.

🇩🇪 Bayern Munich

  1. Adam Aznou – A promising young left-back with excellent technique and speed, Aznou is part of Bayern Munich’s first-team setup and has already debuted for Morocco’s senior national team. His role in this tournament marks a significant step in his rising career.

🌍 Morocco’s Football Power on Display

These six Moroccan players aren’t just representing—they’re dominating headlines at the Club World Cup. From veterans like Hakimi and Bounou to rising stars like Aznou and Lekhedim, Morocco’s football reputation continues to surge at both club and international levels.

Their performances are further proof that Morocco is no longer just a participant in global football—it is now a serious contributor to its elite class.


🏆 Quarter-Final Fixtures Featuring Moroccan Players

  • Al Hilal vs. Fluminense – Bounou and Hamdallah aim to carry the Saudi giants into the semifinals.

Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund – Featuring Brahim Díaz and Youssef Lekhedim.

PSG vs. Bayern Munich – Achraf Hakimi faces Adam Aznou in a battle of speed and technique.

International

Liberia Backs Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara, Declares FM Nyanti

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Liberia Backs Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara, Declares FM Nyanti

Rabat, July 4, 2025 – Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, reaffirmed her country’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara during a joint press conference following a meeting today with her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.

✍️ Key Highlights

  • Strong Support for Territorial Integrity
    “Morocco’s territorial integrity is a matter of principle for Liberia,” Nyanti declared, asserting that the Sahara region is an inseparable part of the Kingdom . Liberia’s full endorsement extends into its upcoming term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2026–27.
  • Backing the Autonomy Plan
    She described Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the only “credible, serious and realistic solution” to the Western Sahara conflict and pledged continued support from Liberia’s delegation at the UN .

🌐 Diplomatic Significance

  • UN Security Council Influence
    Liberia’s forthcoming role on the UN Security Council elevates its diplomatic influence. Nyanti confirmed that the country will actively advocate Morocco’s stance during its term.
  • Positive Momentum under King Mohammed VI
    Commending Morocco’s efforts and global outreach, Nyanti praised King Mohammed VI’s leadership for turning international attention toward the autonomy plan.

Minister Bourita, underscoring the value of Liberia’s stance, noted that this reinforcement of unity has strengthened bilateral relations between the two nations.

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International

Launch of Women’s AFCON in Morocco: Excitement and Controversy Ahead

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Launch of Women’s AFCON in Morocco: Excitement and Controversy Ahead

Rabat, July 4, 2025 – The long‑awaited 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is finally set to kick off in Morocco on July 5, after an unprecedented 19‑month delay. The nation, hosting for the second straight time, will welcome 12 teams across five Moroccan cities—Rabat, Casablanca, Mohammedia, Oujda, and Berkane—culminating in a thrilling final scheduled for July 26 at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.

🎉 Hosts Set the Stage

Morocco will open the tournament in Rabat, facing Zambia in Group A. As co‑hosts and runners‑up in the previous edition, the Atlas Lionesses enter under a renewed spotlight. Former Spain coach Jorge Vilda, who led Spain to the 2023 Women’s World Cup title, now guides the Moroccan side with high expectations for a home‑grown triumph.

🌟 Top Contenders

Defending champions South Africa—clinching their first WAFCON in Morocco in 2022—return to defend the title amid internal unrest, including coaching contract delays and player salary disputes. Nigeria’s powerhouse Super Falcons aim to maintain dominance, while Zambia’s Copper Queens, buoyed by stars Barbara Banda and Racheal Kundananji, are poised to make a major impact.

⚠️ Off‑Field Turbulence

The tournament enters the field overshadowed by governance and scheduling challenges. CAF’s decision to delay the competition by over a year—prompted by scheduling overlaps with the Paris Olympics—has drawn sharp criticism from multiple federations, accusing African football’s governing body of creating uncertainty and disrupting team momentum.

Furthermore, several teams have raised complaints regarding payment issues. South Africa has been preparing without a finalized coaching contract, while players from Zambia and Nigeria have reportedly not received promised bonuses. These controversies threaten to dampen spirits ahead of kick‑off .

🏗️ Infrastructure & Legacy

Morocco, known for its top‑tier stadiums and event organization, has once again invested in world‑class facilities. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat and venues in Casablanca and Berkane have undergone upgrades to provide optimal conditions for athletes and fans alike. Morocco’s repeated hosting duties underscore its commitment to advancing African women’s football—both in capacity and visibility.

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business

Morocco Leverages AI to Revolutionize Workforce Integration and SME Development

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Morocco Leverages AI to Revolutionize Workforce Integration and SME Development

Rabat, July 4, 2025 – In a bold stride toward digital transformation, Morocco announced today that its Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills. The agreement, unveiled during the inaugural National Artificial Intelligence Sessions in Rabat on July 1–2, aims to harness AI for enhancing workforce integration, labor analytics, vocational training, and support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

🤖 AI-Driven Labor Market Innovation

Under this MoU, the Moroccan government will deploy advanced AI systems to:

  • Expand access to tailored employment and re-skilling programs, enabling citizens to better match emerging job market demands.
  • Develop digital platforms for real‑time labor market analysis, giving policymakers and training providers insights into workforce trends.
  • Empower MSMEs with AI‑based tools to navigate digital transformation and improve operational efficiency.

Driving an Inclusive and Ethical AI Vision

This initiative is just one pillar of Morocco’s broader AI strategy, which emphasizes governance and ethical safeguards. During the AI Sessions, participants urged the swift adoption of a national AI roadmap and regulations to ensure transparency, privacy, and public trust. Additionally, the government entered an agreement with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University to foster research, innovation, and sovereign data governance—ensuring AI developments remain anchored in societal values.

A Strategic Move Toward Africa’s AI Leadership

Minister Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, a driving force behind the initiative, emphasized Morocco’s commitment to embedding ethical AI into public services and economic programs, positioning the country as a responsible leader in regional technological innovation. The initiative aligns with Morocco’s broader ambitions of becoming a digital hub for North Africa, utilizing AI for governance, education, healthcare, and environmental services .

⚙️ Anticipated Economic and Social Outcomes

Experts predict that these AI advancements will not only help reduce unemployment through tailored training and placement, but also boost MSME growth by providing competitive digital capabilities. This dual approach is expected to contribute to a more resilient, inclusive economy—one equipped to meet both domestic labor needs and global market challenges.

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