Morocco

Following a mass border crossing in late July 2026 where over 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco—resulting in at least 96 deaths—tensions remain high. Social media calls for another surge have prompted Moroccan police to arrest hundreds, including 111 migrants on August 15, and use tear gas near Fnideq. Spain has reinforced Ceuta with over 1,600 police and a maritime barrier. About 5,000 migrants remain in makeshift camps, with disputes over their fate and fears of further crossings.

9 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 17, 04:39 PM UTC

In late July 2026, up to 60,000 migrants from Morocco and other African nations surged into Spain’s North African exclave of Ceuta, overwhelming border police and causing chaos. Spain deployed military forces, while over 70 deaths were reported. The crisis, fueled by social media rumors and possibly Moroccan diplomatic pressure, triggered an EU emergency meeting and exposed deep divisions over migration policy, with Spain’s open stance facing sharp criticism from other member states.

25 reports · 9 sources · Updated Aug 13, 10:49 AM UTC

Over 1,500 migrants, including many minors, have arrived by sea or over fences in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, within a week. Reception centers are collapsed, with hundreds sleeping outside and 430 unaccompanied minors in care. At least four migrants died in crossings, following 60 deaths last year. Local leader Juan Jesús Vivas declared a national emergency, requesting army deployment and EU assistance, as a Supreme Court ruling bars immediate pushbacks.

168 reports · 17 sources · Updated Aug 11, 12:33 PM UTC

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is accused by *The Times* of promising Morocco the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for reelection support, sparking backlash. The 2030 tournament is co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with matches also in South America. FIFA denies the claim, but Spain insists it deserves the final, citing its infrastructure and champion status. Critics like Luis Figo condemn Infantino, while FIFA’s next presidential election is set for March 2027.

6 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 7, 01:52 AM UTC

UEFA has publicly lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino after a controversial plan to sell a 20% stake in FIFA’s commercial rights to private investors, including ties to Donald Trump’s family, was abandoned. UEFA threatened a World Cup boycott and called for governance reforms. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG president and UEFA executive, was touted as a challenger for the March 2027 FIFA election but denied any interest. At least 20 FIFA member associations are reconsidering support for Infantino, deepening the leadership crisis.

68 reports · 13 sources · Updated Aug 12, 03:34 PM UTC

FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposes creating FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a $20 billion subsidiary to manage World Cup and Club World Cup commercial rights, selling minority stakes to private investors like Joshua Kushner's Thrive Eternal, with JPMorgan advising. The plan, reportedly worth over $4 billion, could expand the World Cup beyond 48 teams and increase tournament frequency. UEFA issued a fiery statement condemning the move, arguing football governance is not a commodity and warning of lost transparency and integrity. The rift highlights a major clash over football's future commercialization.

220 reports · 25 sources · Updated Aug 11, 09:57 AM UTC

40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, a 2026 World Cup star, faces a complex transfer situation. Initially agreeing to join Chilean club Colo-Colo, his arrival has been delayed by visa issues, personal matters, and alleged unmet salary promises. Mexican club Querétaro offered a $1 million deal, while Moroccan club Renaissance de Berkane, with national team coach Bubista, is also pursuing him. Despite reports of his departure to Chile, the deal remains uncertain, with Colo-Colo amending league rules to allow his nickname on jerseys.

17 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 8, 06:13 PM UTC

FIFA President Gianfilippo Infantino’s secret plan to sell minority stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors, including Jared Kushner’s brother, has triggered a major crisis. UEFA and other football bodies condemn the move as a “money-grab” and “existential threat,” with UEFA considering a boycott of FIFA competitions. The plan, backed by a 19 September deadline for member associations, risks reshaping football governance and player welfare.

65 reports · 24 sources · Updated Aug 10, 11:51 AM UTC

A major migration crisis in Spain’s North African exclave of Ceuta saw tens of thousands of migrants illegally enter from Morocco. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez deployed the military but faced harsh criticism from EU capitals, including Italy and Denmark proposing Schengen suspension, Finland accusing Spain of border failure, and Germany urging Morocco to take back migrants. The crisis exposed deep EU divisions, with southern frontline states calling for solidarity while northern and eastern members demanded stricter border controls.

11 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 11, 01:56 PM UTC

AS Roma has initiated negotiations with Real Betis to sign Moroccan winger Abde Ezzalzouli, according to Spanish outlet Sport. The Italian club is reportedly prepared to offer 55 million euros plus 5 million in bonuses, approaching the player's 60 million euro release clause. Betis is open to a transfer if Abde gives his approval and the offer reaches the full release clause. While a Premier League option remains possible, a deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers appears to be gaining momentum. The move has raised eyebrows in Italy given Roma's previous failed attempts to sign wingers Mason Greenwood and Antonio Nusa this summer. FC Barcelona, which retains 20% of Abde's economic rights, stands to recover approximately 11 million euros from the transfer, providing a welcome financial boost.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 04:22 PM UTC

FC Barcelona's board of directors held a regular meeting on July 29, chaired by First Vice President Rafael Yuste due to President Laporta's absence. Key agenda items included consolidating the annual and extraordinary general meetings into a single session, potentially in September, to save costs and improve convenience. The board reviewed preliminary 2025-26 financial statements, currently being audited. On the sporting side, the men's first team is finalizing a friendly match in Tangier, Morocco on August 15, while the women's team may play an away friendly against Manchester City on the same day. The women's team is also close to signing a new player. The board approved integrating Barcelona B team management with the first team for greater efficiency. Finally, the board received an update on the Spotify Camp Nou renovation project and preparations for next season.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:33 PM UTC

Gentex, an automotive Tier-1 supplier, has signed a letter of intent to build a new manufacturing plant in Morocco for producing automotive mirrors, with support from the Moroccan government. Morocco has become a hub for low-cost automotive manufacturing, benefiting from a free trade agreement with the EU. Major OEMs like Renault and Stellantis already have production facilities there, with Renault making the Dacia Sendero and Stellantis producing the Peugeot 208. According to GlobalData, total vehicle production in Morocco reached 450,000 units in 2025 and is forecast to approach 700,000 units annually by the end of the decade. The article was originally published by Just Auto, a GlobalData-owned brand.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:23 AM UTC

Yassir Zabiri, a 20-year-old Moroccan striker, is set to leave Stade Rennais on loan just six months after his arrival from Famalicão for €10 million. According to Foot Mercato, Zabiri has agreed to join Racing Santander in La Liga, with only final details remaining. Zabiri has struggled for playing time at Rennes, featuring in only 6 matches for a total of 42 minutes, partly due to a mid-season coaching change from Habib Beye to Franck Haise. The striker, who was the top scorer at the U20 World Cup with Morocco, seeks consistent game time to continue his development. His contract with Rennes runs until 2029.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:38 PM UTC

Former Moroccan international footballer Marouane Chamakh has expressed his delight at the progress and attention being given to women's football in Morocco, the host nation of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). The tournament is currently underway in Rabat and Casablanca and is scheduled to run until August 16. Chamakh's comments highlight that the women's team is receiving significant support and resources, countering any notion that they have been overlooked in the country's football development. The article underscores the growing prominence of women's football in Morocco, particularly as the nation hosts this major continental competition.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 09:36 PM UTC

FC Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies became the first World Cup participant to join the team's training camp at Lake Tegernsee on Tuesday morning. The Canadian captain, who was eliminated in the World Cup round of 16 and is recovering from a thigh injury, cycled to a secret training session. Coach Vincent Kompany and sporting director Max Eberl also cycled to the training ground, while sports director Christoph Freund jogged along the lake with fitness chief Walter Gfrerer. Non-World Cup players including Sven Ulreich, Tom Bischof, Arijon Ibrahimovic, Armindo Sieb, and Wisdom Mike also participated. Davies had recently returned from his wedding in France and completed performance tests before joining the camp.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:18 AM UTC

The 14th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off July 26, 2026, in Morocco, running through August 16 after a postponement from March due to organizational issues. Expanded from 12 to 16 teams for the first time, the tournament features Nigeria as defending champions and record 10-time winners. Morocco, South Africa, and debutants Cape Verde and Malawi compete. Semi-finalists qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 27, 04:47 PM UTC

The Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P), a flexible trade arrangement launched in September 2025 with 14 founding members, is gaining momentum. On July 17, ministers from 21 countries met in New Zealand to advance the initiative, which now has 19 members representing nearly 20% of global goods trade. Spearheaded by Singapore, Switzerland, New Zealand, and the UAE, FIT-P focuses on practical collaboration to strengthen supply chains, remove non-tariff barriers, integrate digital technologies, and facilitate investment. Unlike traditional free trade agreements, FIT-P has no legally binding obligations; members can choose which initiatives to join. The Auckland meeting produced three separate declarations on non-tariff barriers, digital trade facilitation, and economic resilience. The initiative reflects a growing trend among smaller economies to diversify trade partnerships and pursue agile, adaptable cooperation outside major power blocs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:36 PM UTC

The United Nations General Assembly failed to reach consensus on the U.N. Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) for the first time in its 20-year history during the ninth review concluded in early July 2026. The review, which marked the second consecutive cycle without substantial updates, was hampered by a late appointment of co-facilitators, a polarized multilateral environment, and conflicting red lines among member states. The United States broke with consensus practice by calling for a vote, joined only by Israel and Argentina in opposing the resolution. The failure raises questions about the role of U.N. counterterrorism entities amid resource constraints and upcoming leadership changes, including the selection of a new Secretary-General in 2027. The article explores factors behind the failure and suggests alternative paths for structural reform.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:05 PM UTC

Real Betis starts its 2026-27 preseason on July 7 at Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol in Seville, with manager Manuel Pellegrini calling up 11 youth academy players for a training camp in Germany. Key internationals Cucho Hernández, Giovani Lo Celso, and Álvaro Fidalgo are absent due to World Cup commitments. Injured players Aitor Ruibal and Abde are recovering, while Antony has extended leave. The club awaits Facundo Bernal’s signing and has confirmed several departures. Betis will compete in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.

39 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:27 AM UTC

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a €100 million ($114 million) loan to Gotion Power Morocco, a subsidiary of Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-Tech, to build an integrated lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery giga-factory in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Free Trade Zone in Morocco. The AfDB also plans to mobilize an additional €141 million from other partners. The first phase of the project will produce 10 GWh of battery cells and packs for electric vehicles, with a long-term goal of reaching 100 GWh total capacity. The project aims to strengthen Morocco's role as an electric mobility hub and integrate it into global green technology supply chains. It is expected to create over 600 direct jobs in the initial phase and achieve a 70% local industrial integration rate. The AfDB stated the project aligns with its Four Cardinal Points vision, focusing on resilient infrastructure, value addition, industrialization, and regional integration.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 11:09 AM UTC

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has officially changed his representation by signing with London-based agency Panthera, as confirmed via an AI-generated video on the agency's Instagram. The 28-year-old Morocco international is due back at Carrington later this week following his 2026 World Cup campaign. The move comes as Manchester United's squad returns to full strength under manager Michael Carrick, with competition for places intensifying ahead of the Premier League season. The full-back department is a key area of focus, with Diogo Dalot having the edge on the right and Mazraoui potentially used on the left after impressing there for Morocco. United were previously linked with Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson, while AC Milan, managed by Ruben Amorim, have also shown interest in Mazraoui. The change in representation precedes what could be a significant season for Mazraoui as he seeks to establish himself as a regular under Carrick.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 09:12 AM UTC

Players of Nigeria's Super Falcons women's football team alleged that money was stolen from their wallets while staying at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The players faced online ridicule, accusations of lying, and racist comments from some Moroccans. However, Moroccan authorities have now confirmed the theft, leading to the arrest of a hotel employee. The Super Falcons are the most successful team in WAFCON history, having won 9 of 12 titles, and are among the main favorites for the upcoming tournament.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 03:23 AM UTC

Morocco, the host nation of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, began their campaign with a dominant 4-0 victory over Kenya on Sunday evening. The match was effectively decided within the first 32 minutes, with Morocco leading 3-0 before Ibtissam Jraidi added a second goal to seal the win. Earlier, Algeria, considered one of the tournament's outsiders, defeated Senegal 2-0 in the opening match. Marine Dafeur scored from a penalty in the 41st minute, and Melissa Bethi doubled the lead in the 86th minute. The two North African teams, Morocco and Algeria, are set to face each other on Thursday in a crucial match that will determine qualification and first place in Group A.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 10:17 PM UTC

Morocco, the host nation of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, began their campaign with a dominant 4-0 victory over Kenya on Sunday evening. The match was effectively decided within the first 32 minutes, with Morocco leading 3-0 by that point. Ibtissam Jraidi scored a second goal to seal the win. Earlier, Algeria defeated Senegal 2-0 in the tournament's opening match. Marine Dafeur scored from a penalty in the 41st minute, and Melissa Bethi, who recently transferred to Washington Spirit, added a second goal in the 86th minute. The result sets up a decisive Group A clash between Morocco and Algeria on Thursday, which will determine qualification and first place in the group.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 10:17 PM UTC

Wydad Casablanca has officially announced the appointment of Portuguese coach Paulo Sérgio as their new head coach. The 58-year-old manager has signed a one-season contract with the Moroccan club. The announcement was made on July 26, 2026, as reported by Record Portugal. Paulo Sérgio brings experience from previous coaching roles in Portugal and other leagues. The article also briefly mentions other football news, including a young Slovak linked to Benfica, Galatasaray making an offer for Rafael Leão, and Arsenal's interest in Vinícius Jr., as well as Juan Sebastián Verón potentially returning to play for Estudiantes at age 51.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 08:16 PM UTC

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Morocco is naming a 655-mile highway after him, stretching from Tiznit to Laayoune and Dakhla in the disputed Western Sahara territory. Trump thanked King Mohammed VI and expressed hope to travel the highway. The announcement video praised Trump's 'historic courage' for supporting Morocco's claim to Western Sahara, which he first recognized in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords. The Trump administration reaffirmed this support in 2025 and encouraged U.S. investment in the territory. Morocco is also building a $1 billion deepwater port in Dakhla. The White House did not comment. The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, continues to seek an independent state in the territory.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 03:39 PM UTC

Portuguese club Alverca has submitted a 500,000 euro proposal to acquire 22-year-old centre-back Abdoulaye Sanogo from Moroccan side Difaa El Jadida. The news was reported by Record Portugal on July 25, 2026. Sanogo, who plays in the Moroccan league, is the subject of a transfer bid as Alverca looks to strengthen its defensive line. The article also lists other football transfer news, including Colo Colo's president confirming Vozinha's return to Portugal via Marítimo, Arsenal's 100 million euro offer for Julián Álvarez, and Xavi Simons' serious knee injury ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 04:14 PM UTC

The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency has awarded Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems an estimated $333 million contract to supply spare parts and repair services for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS). This system allows fighter pilots to target enemy aircraft simply by looking at them, enhancing close-in dogfight capabilities when paired with AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles. The six-year contract, running through July 2032, covers F-15, F-16, and F/A-18 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and 13 allied nations including Greece, Morocco, Singapore, and Australia. The contract is a sole-source acquisition, reflecting the company's unique position as the sole provider of JHMCS hardware. Work will be performed in Texas, Oregon, and Israel, with funding from fiscal years 2026-2032.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 10:57 AM UTC

The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency has awarded Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems an estimated $333 million contract to supply spare parts and repair services for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), a fighter pilot helmet that functions as a targeting computer. The six-year contract, running through July 23, 2032, covers F-15, F-16, and F-18 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and 13 allied nations including Greece, Morocco, Singapore, and Australia. The system allows pilots to lock missiles onto targets simply by looking at them, enabling high off-boresight targeting. The contract was awarded as a sole-source acquisition, citing the company's unique position as the sole provider of JHMCS hardware. Work will be performed in Texas, Oregon, and Israel, with funding from fiscal years 2026 through 2032.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 10:57 AM UTC

João Sacramento, a Portuguese assistant coach for Morocco, is highlighted as one of the Portuguese nationals to advance furthest in the 2026 World Cup. Morocco reached the quarter-finals with Sacramento on the coaching staff. In the article, Sacramento attributes Morocco's success to the team's collective spirit, stating that 'there is no room for egos.' The piece, published by Record Portugal on July 25, 2026, emphasizes the African team's achievement and Sacramento's role in it.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 05:57 AM UTC