World Cup
Again, Morocco to host several World Cup African qualifying matches
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
As it was in the Qatar 2022 qualifiers, the Kingdom of Morocco will again host several African World Cup 2026 qualifying matches.
This is a direct result of Morocco heavily investing on football infrastructures to host prestigious events such that are lacking in many African countries.
As a starter, eight of the 13 duels in the Match Day 1 of the World Cup qualifiers will be hosted by Morocco.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation FRMF) in a statement announced it will be hosting World Cup qualifiers involving Ethiopia and Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and Guinea Bissau and also that of Niger Republic and Tanzania.
Other duels include Chad versus Madagascar, Somalia versus Uganda and Ethiopia versus Burkina Faso.
It was in similar vein that Morocco had a ‘Festival of World Cup qualifying matches’ in 2021 when within a period of five days in a row, the Kingdom hosted a series of seven World Cup qualifying matches involving 10 countries including Nigeria that of Liberia versus Liberia.
According to a time table released by the FRMF, the World Cup fixtures will run thus:
- Nov.15: Ethiopia vs Sierra Leone at El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida
- Nov. 16: Morocco vs Eritrea at Le Grand Stade Agadir
- Nov. 17: Burkina Faso vs Guinea Bissau at Marrakech Grand Stadium
- Nov. 17: Guinea vs Uganda at Berkane Municipal Stadium, Berkan
- Nov. 18: Niger vs Tanzania at Marrakech Grand Stadium
- Nov. 20: Chad vs. Madagascar at Oujda
- Nov. 21: Somalia vs. Uganda at Berkane Municipal Stadium, Berkan
- Nov. 21: Ethiopia vs. Burkina Faso at Marrakech Grand Stadium
- Nov. 21: Sao Tome and Principe vs Namibia at Le Grand Stade Agadir
Under the cooperation partnership, FRMF said it agreed to the request of several African national teams to hold their World Cup qualifiers in Morocco.
Morocco has been hosting several prestigious football events such as the 2023 Club World Cup, with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA commending the country’s sports infrastructure.
The latest milestone was FIFA’s decision to declare Morocco as one of the hosts for World Cup along with Portugal and Spain.
Morocco is also set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In October, FIFA awarded the hosting rights to Morocco, Portugal, and Spain as their joint bid was the sole candidate in the running for the hosting rights of the competition.
Following the decision, CAF celebrated the news, stressing that the decision will see Morocco become only the second Africa country to ever stage a World Cup after South Africa in 2010.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Uruguay Wary of Cabo Verde Challenge After Islanders Hold Spain
Spain Seek Repeat of 2006 Success Against Saudi Arabia
Courtois Eyes Belgian Record as Iran Chase Key World Cup Victory
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup2 days ago
‘Most Oppressed Team’: Iran Set for FIFA Showdown Over Travel Rules
- World Cup3 hours ago
U.S. defends Iran World Cup travel restrictions, says discussions ongoing
- World Cup6 days ago
Back in Canada After 39 Years: A Return to Where the Journey Began
- World Cup1 week ago
Atlas Lions Roar Again: Morocco Hold Five-Time Champions, Brazil In Another World Cup Statement
- World Cup6 days ago
Doku Faces World Cup-or-Fatherhood Dilemma as Belgium Star Awaits First Child
- World Cup6 days ago
Tunisia Become Second African Casualty as Sweden Hit Five in World Cup Rout
- World Cup6 days ago
Salah Eyes Birthday Gift as Egypt Seek Historic World Cup Breakthrough Against Belgium
- World Cup7 days ago
Advocaat Set to Make World Cup History as Curaçao Face Germany