Latest football news, 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Ziyech and Diaz lead Morocco's lineup against Zambia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Walid Regragui, the coach of the Moroccan national team, announced the formation of the match against his counterpart, the Zambian national team, scheduled for ten o’clock in the evening on Friday, at the Adrar stadium, the large stadium in the city of Agadir, as part of the third round matches in the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which was a surprise represented by... Youssef En-Nesyri was present in the attack in place of the recently flamboyant Ayoub, who gave his team Olympiacos and Greece their first European title in club football, after he scored the winning goal against the Italian Fiorentina 1-0 after extra time after the end of regular time in a goalless draw on Wednesday in the European Conference League final.

While Ziyech topped the Moroccan squad against Zambia, after becoming one of the most important members of the Atlas Lions recently, and playing with a clear mind after the last minute witnessed the Moroccan international deciding his future, according to the assurances of Fabrizio Romano, an expert on the transfer market in Europe, who indicated through his account on the “X” platform that there would be a transfer. Ziyech moved to Galatasaray permanently after the purchase clause in the loan contract was activated by Galatasaray, and an official letter was sent to Chelsea agreeing on the deal.

Ziyech had a good season with Galatasaray from Chelsea, where he participated in 21 matches, scoring 8 goals and assisting 4 others.

Morocco occupies the top spot in Group Five with 3 points from one match, after defeating Tanzania with two unanswered goals, and the match against Congo was postponed, while the Zambian national team comes in second place with the same score of 3 points, as it played two matches.

The draw resulted in the Atlas Lions being placed in the fifth group of the qualifiers with the Zambian national team, the Congolese national team, Tanzania and Niger, and the Eritrea national team was scheduled to join them, but announced its withdrawal.

The Moroccan national team is seeking to win and snatch the three match points to be at the top of the group and to obtain a qualification card for the 2026 World Cup, hoping to repeat the epic it achieved during the last edition of the competition by occupying fourth place behind the champion Argentina, runner-up France, and also Croatia, third in the world.

Real Madrid striker Ibrahim Diaz leads Moroccan coach Walid Regragui’s squad and the Lions’ roster to play the matches against Zambia and Congo in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Moroccan national team will play two matches against Zambia and the Republic of the Congo in the third and fourth rounds of the World Cup qualifiers, on June 7 and 11, respectively. The Real Madrid star participates for the first time in the qualifiers with the Atlantic Lions

As anticipation mounts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly following the latest developments surrounding the prestigious tournament. Scheduled to be hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this edition promises to be a spectacle of sporting excellence, unity, and celebration. Here are the latest updates on what fans can expect:

Expansion of Teams: One of the most significant changes for the 2026 World Cup is the expansion of participating teams from 32 to 48. This expansion aims to provide more opportunities for nations to compete on the world stage, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the beautiful game.

Venues and Infrastructure: With matches set to take place across multiple cities in the three host nations, significant investments have been made in stadium infrastructure and facilities. From iconic venues like the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City to state-of-the-art arenas in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Los Angeles, preparations are well underway to ensure a seamless and memorable tournament experience for players and fans alike.

Qualification Campaigns: National teams from around the globe are currently engaged in qualifying campaigns, vying for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup. With more slots available, the qualification process has become even more competitive, showcasing the depth and talent present in the world of football. From powerhouse teams to underdogs, every match is a chance for glory and triumph.

Emerging Contenders: While traditional football powerhouses remain formidable contenders, the 2026 World Cup also presents an opportunity for emerging footballing nations to make their mark on the global stage. With youth development programs, strategic investments, and a passion for the game, countries like Iceland, Senegal, and Costa Rica are poised to challenge established norms and leave a lasting impact on the tournament.

Technology and Innovation: As football evolves, so too does the technology surrounding the sport. From Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems to advancements in player tracking and performance analysis, the 2026 World Cup is set to showcase the latest innovations aimed at enhancing the integrity and excitement of the game.

Global Celebration: Beyond the matches themselves, the World Cup serves as a celebration of unity, diversity, and cultural exchange. From fan festivals to community events, the tournament brings people from all walks of life together in a shared love for the beautiful game, transcending boundaries and fostering camaraderie among nations.

As the countdown to kick-off continues, excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches fever pitch. With its expanded format, diverse host nations, and promise of thrilling competition, the tournament is poised to capture the hearts and imaginations of millions around the globe. So mark your calendars, rally your support, and get ready for a footballing extravaganza like no other. The stage is set, the world is watching – let the games begin!