Morocco to host Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 : Full schedule and key matches revealed
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the official schedule for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2024) on Friday. The tournament will take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26. The opening match will feature the host nation against Zambia (Group A) on Saturday, July 5, at 9:00 PM local time at the brand-new Rabat Olympic Stadium, according to a CAF statement.
The following day, three matches are scheduled, including the highly anticipated clash between Nigeria—the most successful nation in African women's football—and Tunisia, the statement adds. Morocco's second group match is set for Wednesday, July 9, at 8:00 PM against Congo, followed by a game against Senegal on July 12 at 8:00 PM.
Group B includes Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, while Group C features South Africa, Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.
The semifinals will be held on Tuesday, July 22, with the final scheduled for Saturday, July 26, at 9:00 PM, again at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.
Building on the success of previous editions, the Women's CAN Morocco 2024 reflects the rapid growth of CAF competitions over the past four years. Records are expected in stadium attendance, global television audiences, and digital engagement, CAF said.
To meet the highest international standards, CAF will use cutting-edge technology to deliver live, high-definition broadcasts of all 26 matches to a global audience via its television partners.
Last Tuesday, CAF announced the six stadiums that will host the tournament's matches: Larbi Zaouli and Père Jégo Stadiums in Casablanca, the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, Honor Stadium in Oujda, and the Municipal Stadium in Berkane.
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Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Ya Biladi
Morocco to host Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 : Full schedule and key matches revealed
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the official schedule for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2024) on Friday. The tournament will take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26. The opening match will feature the host nation against Zambia (Group A) on Saturday, July 5, at 9:00 PM local time at the brand-new Rabat Olympic Stadium, according to a CAF statement. The following day, three matches are scheduled, including the highly anticipated clash between Nigeria—the most successful nation in African women's football—and Tunisia, the statement adds. Morocco's second group match is set for Wednesday, July 9, at 8:00 PM against Congo, followed by a game against Senegal on July 12 at 8:00 PM. Group B includes Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, while Group C features South Africa, Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania. The semifinals will be held on Tuesday, July 22, with the final scheduled for Saturday, July 26, at 9:00 PM, again at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. Building on the success of previous editions, the Women's CAN Morocco 2024 reflects the rapid growth of CAF competitions over the past four years. Records are expected in stadium attendance, global television audiences, and digital engagement, CAF said. To meet the highest international standards, CAF will use cutting-edge technology to deliver live, high-definition broadcasts of all 26 matches to a global audience via its television partners. Last Tuesday, CAF announced the six stadiums that will host the tournament's matches: Larbi Zaouli and Père Jégo Stadiums in Casablanca, the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, Honor Stadium in Oujda, and the Municipal Stadium in Berkane.
Morocco World
4 days ago
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Spanish Royal Institute: 2030 World Cup Amplifies Morocco's Soft Power Strategy
Doha – Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup represents the culmination of decades of persistent effort as the North African country will share hosting duties with Spain and Portugal. This achievement comes after five previous unsuccessful bids over 30 years. The Spanish Elcano Royal Institute for International and Strategic Studies published an analysis on May 26, examining Morocco's strategic approach to what will be one of the world's most-watched sporting events. Antonio Navarro Amuedo, author of the report titled 'World Cup 2030: The Deployment of Moroccan Soft Power on the Field,' dissects how Morocco views the tournament as a strategic soft power opportunity that serves multiple objectives beyond sports. It aims to enhance Morocco's international image, strengthen economic development through infrastructure projects, and 'reinforce the monarchy's political stature'—although the reality is that it is already anchored in centuries-old legitimacy since the founding of the Alaouite dynasty. The report positions the World Cup within Morocco's broader foreign policy strategy, which includes diversifying international alliances and reaffirming its sovereignty over the southern provinces in the Western Sahara. By 2024, Morocco's direct investment in Africa reached a notable $38 billion, in a clear indication of the country's expanding economic footprint and growing influence across the continent. The Maghreb country has maintained its traditional Western orientation while building new relationships with countries like Russia, Turkey, and China, adapting to an increasingly multipolar world order. Its renewed focus on African engagement—marked by its return to the African Union in 2017 after a 32-year absence—has brought substantial diplomatic leverage in confronting Algeria, which backs the separatist Polisario Front in the artificial dispute over the Western Sahara. A long-term vision bears fruit The Spanish Royal Institute's analysis pinpoints Morocco's persistent pursuit of hosting rights through bids for the 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2026 tournaments, persistence that has finally paid off. The 2030 tournament carries special significance as the World Cup's centennial celebration and represents a source of national pride for Moroccans. Navarro Amuedo notes widespread public enthusiasm for the tournament within Morocco, which contrasts with the 'more discrete reception' in co-hosts Spain and Portugal. The tournament will mark several historic firsts as it will be the first transcontinental World Cup spanning Europe and Africa, delivering 'a powerful message of cooperation between the two shores of a Mediterranean transformed in recent years into the world's deadliest migration route,' the report states. Morocco's successful national team performance at Qatar 2022, reaching the semifinals as the first African or Arab team to achieve this feat, significantly elevated national pride. The North African country now aims to translate sporting success into organizational excellence, with authorities recognizing that successfully hosting the tournament can project an image of a 'modern, tolerant and emerging country' to a global audience. Ambitious infrastructure development underway Six Moroccan cities—Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir—will host World Cup matches. The government has allocated $5.1 billion for World Cup preparations, of which $1.2 billion is earmarked specifically for infrastructure investments. The crown jewel of Morocco's World Cup preparations is the planned Hassan II Grand Stadium in Casablanca, which aims to become the world's largest stadium with a capacity of 115,000 spectators. Moroccan authorities hope this impressive venue will host the tournament's final match, which would be the culmination of their World Cup ambitions. The report details Morocco's comprehensive infrastructure program that extends beyond stadiums to include major upgrades for airports in Casablanca, Agadir, Fez, Marrakech, and Tangier. These improvements target a combined capacity of 35 million passengers by 2029, with the government committing over $2.6 billion to these airport expansions while also planning important investments in road networks and urban infrastructure. Navarro Amuedo acknowledges potential domestic challenges associated with these investments. The concentration of development in urban areas, particularly along the privileged Tangier-Rabat-Casablanca-Marrakech axis, could exacerbate regional disparities and fuel social tensions. Additionally, the report cautions about possible corruption risks associated with major construction projects in a country that 'still registers high levels of opacity,' though it stops short of questioning the broader institutional trajectory or recent reforms undertaken by Morocco. Strengthening international relations The joint World Cup bid reinforces Morocco's improving relationships with its Iberian neighbors, particularly Spain, with whom relations have strengthened significantly since 2022, when Spain endorsed Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara. This endorsement marked the resolution of a year-long bilateral crisis and the beginning of what both governments describe as an 'extraordinary' new phase in relations. Commercial ties between Spain and Morocco reached record levels in 2024, with Spain upholding its position as Morocco's top trading partner since 2013. Cooperation on sensitive issues such as migration control and counter-terrorism has intensified, resulting in reduced irregular migration to Spain and successful joint operations against terrorist cells planning attacks in both countries. The Spanish Royal Institute analysis frames the 2030 World Cup as Morocco's international coming-of-age moment, comparing its potential impact to Spain's transformative year of 1992, when Barcelona hosted the Olympics and Seville held the World Expo. 'The success in preparing and holding the championship is a collective aspiration shared by Moroccan authorities and society,' writes Navarro Amuedo. The report concludes that the tournament will showcase 'emerging Morocco of the 21st century' while advancing the country's broader diplomatic objectives, particularly in garnering international support for its position on Western Sahara. For Morocco, the ultimate goal is to capitalize on the global appeal of the most prestigious sporting event to solidify its status as a stable, capable regional power bridging Europe and Africa.
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
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«You won't find anyone better than me to win AFCON», says Morocco coach Regragui
Estimated read time: 2' Today, national team coach Walid Regragui expressed full confidence in his ability to lead Morocco to victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco at the end of the year. Speaking at a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamoura, where he announced the squad for upcoming friendly matches against Tunisia (June 6) and Benin (June 9) at the Grand Stadium of Fez, Regragui addressed rumors about his potential departure from the national team. He declared, «You won't find anyone better than me to win the Africa Cup of Nations». «If anyone thinks Guardiola, Ancelotti, or Klopp can win it, they should go sit down with them and plead their case. I'm capable of doing it. No one will do it better than me». Regragui described the two friendly matches as crucial tests to evaluate players ahead of the tournament. «Since the Africa Cup of Nations will see us facing African teams, choosing Tunisia and Benin is important», he explained, noting that both teams have strong defenses that will help Morocco prepare effectively. On the absence of some players, he said, «We're not here to chase or seduce anyone. Players must earn the right to represent Morocco». He added, «Our mission is to attract the best players who choose to represent Morocco with their hearts. If a player isn't called up, it means they haven't secured their place yet or have other options». He urged fans to support the players who have accepted the call to wear the national jersey. Regarding the missing defenders, Regragui clarified, «About 90 percent of the defenders are out due to injury, but this gives us the chance to test new players and confirm our choices after these two matches». He also noted that «these absences just happened to coincide with the friendly match period». He reaffirmed, «We have a project to build a strong defense, which is why I'm experimenting with different players to find the best combination». Regragui stressed that while «the team's core remains stable, changes depend on player form, injuries, and decisions by the technical staff». He concluded, «Winning the Africa Cup of Nations requires talented players, passionate fans, and above all, a winning mentality that must be deeply embedded in the team—it's essential for success».
