Latest news with #WalidRegragui
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
New Rabat's Moulay Abdellah Stadium to Host Morocco-Niger on September 5
Marrakech – Morocco's national football team will inaugurate the newly reconstructed Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on September 5. According to the program published by FIFA, the Atlas Lions will face Niger in their World Cup 2026 qualifier match. This fixture marks both an important sporting event and the official unveiling of the completely rebuilt stadium, following months of rumors, suggestions, and speculation about its long-awaited opening. The match, part of the 6th round of Group E qualifiers, will see coach Walid Regragui's squad take on Niger's Mena, led by former Morocco national team coach Badou Zaki. Three days later, on September 8, Achraf Hakimi and his teammates will travel to Zambia to face the Chipolopolo at Ndola's Levy Mwanawasa Stadium for their 7th round fixture. Morocco currently dominates Group E with a perfect record of five wins in five matches. They have accumulated 15 points and boast an impressive +12 goal difference. Tanzania holds second place with nine points, while Zambia and Niger follow with six points each. Congo remains at the bottom without any points. The revitalized Moulay Abdellah Stadium constitutes a next-level investment in Morocco's athletic facilities. Originally built in 1980, the stadium was completely demolished in 2023 and reconstructed to host several matches during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The revamped stadium features a seating capacity of 68,500 spectators, an increase of 21,000 from its previous configuration. The facility includes modernized stands, interior spaces that meet international standards, numerous VIP boxes, and areas for conferences and cultural activities. Read also: Morocco Makes History: SNRT to Deploy Spidercam in All 9 AFCON Stadiums One of the stadium's most notable innovations is its LED lighting system for the pitch. Moulay Abdellah becomes the first stadium in Africa to implement LED technology for grass growth. The system includes 6 LED440 units, 2 LED120 units, 6 TurfPods, and a TurfBase management system developed by Dutch company SGL. This advanced technology creates ideal growing conditions for the grass by balancing light and heat. The LED modules allow separate control of light and temperature, precisely adjusting the microclimate based on the pitch's needs. The LED120 covers 120 m² and is ideal for sensitive areas like the substitutes' bench or penalty zones, while the larger LED440 covers 440 m² for broader treatment. At the core of this system is the TurfPod, a connected sensor that continuously measures key agronomic data such as soil and air temperature, salinity, humidity, and received light. This data is transmitted in real-time to the TurfBase software platform, allowing technical teams to remotely monitor the field's condition and optimize resource usage. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who visited the stadium on July 26 alongside FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, was highly impressed with the facility. 'This stadium is unquestionably one of the most modern, efficient, and magnificent venues on the planet, propelling Morocco among the elite of world football,' he declared. Infantino added that 'stadiums are no longer just places to play football, but showcases for countries,' describing Moulay Abdellah as 'a jewel that conveys the image of a modern Morocco, looking to the future and choosing football to unite the world.' The stadium's reconstruction is part of Morocco's preparations for both the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. The facility features a panoramic roof, redesigned VIP areas, underground parking, and next-generation lighting, positioning it as one of the main venues for African and world football in the coming years. Tags: 2026 world cup qualifersMoulay Abdellah Stadium
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
QPR's Chair 'obsessed' with Premier League aim
QPR playmaker Ilias Chair admits he is "obsessed" with reaching the Premier Morocco international, 27, has been with the club since 2017 and was a standout performer in the Championship before enduring an injury-plagued 2024-25 fully fit again, Chair has high hopes for the west London club under recently-appointed head coach Julien Stephan."I'm a bit obsessed with getting to the Premier League at this point," Chair said."Hopefully that can be with QPR. I've really got a good feeling that I can do that with QPR. This project is a very promising project."On a personal level, yes, the Premier League is 100% a dream of mine and I tend to never let go of my dreams, so we'll see what happens." Chair is also keen to re-establish himself for was in their 2022 World Cup squad, although he only featured in a third-place play-off against has made just one international appearance since then - and last season's injury woes scuppered his hopes of a return to the he has remained in contact with Morocco boss Walid Regragui and hopes to earn a recall."I definitely want to go back in there," Chair added."It only improves my game - every time I go there, when I come back I feel like I'm a better player because of the players around me. Obviously you learn from them."So I definitely want to get back into that squad. I've had conversations with the manager of Morocco. We're keeping in contact and hopefully I can be back in there."It's just about getting back on the pitch, being healthy and putting some good performances together - some good team performances, because it's all about the team." Stephan will be the eighth manager Chair has played under at Frenchman has an impressive CV, having led his hometown club Rennes to a French Cup triumph in 2019 - their first trophy for 48 have not sustained a promotion challenge since being relegated from the top flight 10 years are not among the favourites to go up this time around, but will be hoping Stephan can help them beat the odds."He's been great. He has different ideas and I'm listening a lot to him," Chair said."He has this sort of charisma. He has an aura about him, which maybe I haven't experienced with other managers - other managers have had other qualities."He definitely has something special about him, which is very good for us as players."I wish I'd known him longer. I spoke to a couple of players that have played under him and they've been positive about him, and so far so good with us."QPR begin their Championship campaign with a home match against Preston on Saturday.
Morocco World
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco Keeps 12th Spot in FIFA World Ranking, Still Number One in Africa
Rabat – The Moroccan national football team has kept its position as the 12th best team in the world, according to the latest FIFA world ranking released on Thursday. With a total of 1,698.72 points, Morocco remains the top-ranked African team. Senegal follows in second place in Africa (18th worldwide), while Egypt is third on the continent (34th globally). Morocco's strong ranking is thanks to recent friendly wins. The Atlas Lions beat Tunisia 2-0 and defeated Benin 1-0 in their last two matches. These victories helped the team maintain its position in the international rankings. At the global level, Argentina maintains its position as the top national team in the world. Spain holds second place, followed by France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia. Under the leadership of coach Walid Regragui, Morocco has established itself as one of the most respected teams in world football. Since their historic run to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the first African and Arab team to do so, the Atlas Lions have continued to impress fans around the world. All eyes will now be on Morocco as the team prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be hosted in Morocco in December. Playing on home soil, the pressure, and the expectations, will be high. Fans across the country are hoping for Morocco to lift the trophy for the first time since 1976. Before that, Morocco will continue its campaign in the World Cup 2026 African qualifiers, where the team aims to secure a ticket to the next World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Tags: FIFAfifa rankingFootball
Morocco World
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Walid Regragui Joins World's Top Coaches at RFEF Congress in Madrid
Rabat– Morocco's national team head coach, Walid Regragui took part in the first International Coaches Congress organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on June 20–21 in Madrid. The high-profile event brought together over 550 coaches from across the globe and featured around 20 distinguished speakers, including Regragui, alongside representatives from FIFA and UEFA. Regragui's participation highlights the growing international recognition of Moroccan coaching talent and reflects Morocco's commitment to fostering top-level sports leadership and development. During a panel discussion on the responsibilities and challenges of coaching, Regragui spoke candidly about the immense expectations that come with leading a national team in a country where football is deeply cherished. 'We carry a great responsibility because the passion for football is immense. The entire country is behind us,' he said, emphasizing the strong emotional connection between the Moroccan national team and its supporters. As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draws near, Regragui finds himself under increasing pressure. Morocco will host the continental tournament, and Regragui has publicly pledged to win the title on home soil. Despite the high expectations, the coach remains confident in both his leadership and the team's abilities. Reaffirming his dedication during the Madrid Congress, he stated: 'If there's someone better than me, I'll step aside. I'm the first fan of this team. I want to see Hakimi lift the trophy.' His humble and determined words resonated with fans and players alike, setting the tone for one of the most anticipated chapters in Moroccan football history. The congress also featured several prominent football figures, including Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente, former Ecuador manager Gustavo Alfaro, and renowned Uruguayan fitness coach Profe Ortega. Key topics discussed included continuous coaching education, the evolving challenges of technical management, and the growing importance of a human-centered approach in coaching. According to the RFEF, the congress aims to emphasize the strategic role of coaches and promote education and training as fundamental drivers for the advancement of modern football. Tags: 2025 afconrfefWalid Regragui
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How to watch Manchester City vs Wydad AC live: Stream link, TV channel, team news, prediction
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City kick off their FIFA Club World Cup competition on Wednesday as they face Wydad AC in Philadelphia. MORE — Club World Cup schedule, results, tables City have made plenty of big signings already this summer, with new additions Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders expected to play a key role in this tournament. With Kevin de Bruyne gone, plus Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker not with City's squad as they're expected to leave this summer, this new-look City side are hungry to win this competition so they can say they didn't go trophyless during the 2024-25 season and they will start the new campaign on a high. Advertisement Wydad AC hail from Casablanca, Morocco and are the huge underdogs in Group G alongside City, Juventus and Al Ain. They were the African champions in 2022 under current Morocco nation team manager Walid Regragui, and were also runners up in the CAF Champions League in 2023. They were also runners up in the newly-created African Football League in 2023. But they haven't won the Moroccan league title since 2022 and are huge outsiders to make it out of this group. How to watch Manchester City vs Wydad AC live, stream link and start time Kick off time: 12pm ET Wednesday (June 18) Venue: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia TV Channel/Streaming: Watch live on DAZN, for free Manchester City team news, focus Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders are all expected to make their debuts, while City also have Rodri back from his long-term knee injury which makes such a huge difference. Guardiola will obviously rotate his squad but City are desperate to win this title and he is likely to go all-out in attack with Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush leading the way. Mateo Kovacic is out after having Achilles surgery, while Walker, Grealish and Kalvin Phillips are all not with the squad as they are believed to be leaving City this summer. Wydad AC team news, focus There are a couple of key players to look out for as Mohamed Rayhi is a real talent in attack, plus veteran midfielder Nordin Amrabat will do his best to hold things together. Captain Jamal Harkass will have his work cut out at center back as he tries his best to marshal Erling Haaland and Co. Manchester City vs Wydad AC prediction This feels like it could get quite lopsided. City are hungry and fired up to prove the doubters wrong and this new-look side have so much individual talent and new players ready to make a mark from the start. Manchester City 5-0 Wydad AC.
