The path to the next World Cup finals is all but cleared for Morocco manager Walid Regragui. Ideally, progress will be concluded, come September, with an unblemished qualifying record that will be unique among the several Mena countries likely to be making their way to North America and Mexico.
But Regragui’s true challenge now is to negotiate the many twists and turns in the longer road ahead.
Morocco, history-making semi-finalists at the last World Cup in Qatar, won their fifth qualifier out of five on Tuesday evening in Oujda, the 2-0 victory over Tanzania easing them to a nine-point lead in Africa’s Group E.
Once the permanent removal of Congo from the group table – having been suspended by Fifa and their remaining matches cancelled – has been rubber-stamped and adjustments made around those games the Congolese had played, the only question will be how cushioned the final margin between the Atlas Lions and the next best – Niger, Tanzania or Zambia – looks.
Regragui acknowledges Morocco’s dominance in a relatively tame group masks some uncomfortable moments.
Last week, against Niger, his side went 1-0 down shortly after half-time, securing a 2-1 victory only through Bilal El Khannouss’s stoppage time goal. “We were asleep in the first-half and it was a useful wake-up call about the reality of what happens on the pitch,” said the coach.
He knows that, on paper, Morocco present themselves as daunting heavyweights to most of the rest of their continent and, indeed, to a majority of the 47 other nations who will join them at the 2026 World Cup finals. But in practice, there must always be vigilance against complacency and skillful preparation for outbreaks of fatigue.
The latter is a concern. While Morocco’s match schedule should be lightened by the cancellation of their October fixture against Congo, the country will in December stage its biggest football event for 37 years, one they intend to be involved in for the duration.
With Morocco’s hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations, their tight grip on the highest Fifa men’s ranking in Africa and their status as favourites comes sapping pressure.
They are expected to triumph at home. It’s an expectation shadowed by the anxious recall of their underperformance of Regragui’s team at the last Afcon when they exited at the last 16 phase. “We have learnt from our mistakes, but we need to stay grounded,” Regragui promised.
He can only control so much. The next seven months, up to the 2025 Afcon, is bound to feel draining for many of his players. They are at the sharp end of a brutally congested elite calendar.
There are the various domestic battles they face, over the next two months, in their club seasons – from El Khannous’s scrap against relegation with the English Premier League’s Leicester City to Brahim Diaz’s pursuit of a Liga and Copa del Rey double with Real Madrid – and beyond extensive engagements for many in the business end of the major continental tournaments.
Regragui’s disparate group has players competing for Champions League titles in Asia, Africa and Europe. And several of those footballers will then be heading to June and July’s expanded Fifa Club World Cup in the USA.
The list runs from Soufiane Rahimi with Al Ain to Achraf Hakimi with Paris Saint Germain, to Yahya Attiyat Allah with Al Ahly to Jama Harkass with WAC of Casablanca, to Brahim with Madrid.
In some of those cases, like Soufiane and Achraf, who were part of Morocco’s bronze medal Olympic team in Paris last summer, they will be looking back, in August, at 12 months of almost uninterrupted workload.
Some wear and tear from all this must be anticipated. Which is why Regragui, aided by the Moroccan Federation’s diligent work in persuading young dual-national professionals to commit to choosing the land of their heritage rather than of their birth for their senior international careers, has pushed hard to broaden his pool of available talent.
He has made it clear that, while the march to the last four at the Qatar World Cup in 2022 is a milestone to be forever cherished across the Arab world and Africa, it will not be sentimentalised.
It was a launch pad for future Atlas Lions more than it was any guarantee of long-term loyalty to individual heroes.
One of the standout stars of the Qatar adventure, Hakim Ziyech, was omitted from the squad for the last round of internationals, Regragui travelling to Doha, where Ziyech plays for Al Duhail, to explain to the winger that while he remains a potential game-changer for his country, he will only be that if he shows consistent form for his club.
The landscape has changed. In the period since last February, when Morocco made their disappointing early departure from the last Afcon, Regragui has given fresh call-ups to seven players aged 21 or under.
One of those, Eliesse Ben Seghir of Monaco has registered three goals and three assists in seven competitive starts for the Atlas Lions.
Nor is he a sure-fire shoo-in for one of the wide attacking positions in Regragui’s ideal XI – not if Amine Adli, Abde Ezzalzouli, Omar Sahraoui, Zakaria Aboukhlal, Ilias Akhomach, Chemsdine Talbi or the versatile Rahimi have been showing more spark on the practice pitch.
The impact of Brahim, who was capped for the first time just over a year ago – having completed the Fifa registration procedures to commit to Morocco rather than his native Spain, for whom he had played one senior international friendly in 2021 – has meanwhile been emphatic.
On Tuesday the Madrid playmaker scored his eighth Morocco goal – by converting a penalty against Tanzania – in as many competitive games for his country.
Ziyech has certainly seen how far the creative duties once concentrated around his masterly left foot and his eye for a pass are being spread around: to a fleet of young wingers; to the promptings from attacking midfield of Brahim, El Khannouss and Ismael Saibari.
The latter pair came off the bench against Niger to turn a losing scoreline into three points, a welcome demonstration to the head coach of the strength-in-depth he is carefully cultivating.
“Substitutes can change everything in a game,” said Regragui. “We have the quality in our squad, but competition for places is tough.” And he warned: “Players who doze and aren’t giving their all for the team will stay on the bench.”
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Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 626bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh1,050,000
On sale: now
Indika
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Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)
Fixtures and results:
Wed, Aug 29:
- Malaysia bt Hong Kong by 3 wickets
- Oman bt Nepal by 7 wickets
- UAE bt Singapore by 215 runs
Thu, Aug 30:
- UAE bt Nepal by 78 runs
- Hong Kong bt Singapore by 5 wickets
- Oman bt Malaysia by 2 wickets
Sat, Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong; Oman v Singapore; Malaysia v Nepal
Sun, Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman; Malaysia v UAE; Nepal v Singapore
Tue, Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore; UAE v Oman; Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu, Sep 6: Final
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Company%20profile
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TCL INFO
Teams:
Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi
Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag
Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC
Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC
Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan
Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes
When December 14-17
The specs: 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
Price, base / as tested Dh220,000 / Dh320,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Power 421hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 678Nm @ 3,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.1L / 100km
UK’s AI plan
- AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
- £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
- £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
- £250m to train new AI models
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
Series information
Pakistan v Dubai
First Test, Dubai International Stadium
Sun Oct 6 to Thu Oct 11
Second Test, Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tue Oct 16 to Sat Oct 20
Play starts at 10am each day
Teams
Pakistan
1 Mohammed Hafeez, 2 Imam-ul-Haq, 3 Azhar Ali, 4 Asad Shafiq, 5 Haris Sohail, 6 Babar Azam, 7 Sarfraz Ahmed, 8 Bilal Asif, 9 Yasir Shah, 10, Mohammed Abbas, 11 Wahab Riaz or Mir Hamza
Australia
1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Shaun Marsh, 4 Mitchell Marsh, 5 Travis Head, 6 Marnus Labuschagne, 7 Tim Paine, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Peter Siddle, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Jon Holland
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
RACE SCHEDULE
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday, September 29
First practice: 7am - 8.30am
Second practice: 11am - 12.30pm
Saturday, September 30
Qualifying: 1pm - 2pm
Sunday, October 1
Race: 11am - 1pm
Where to apply
Applicants should send their completed applications - CV, covering letter, sample(s) of your work, letter of recommendation - to Nick March, Assistant Editor in Chief at The National and UAE programme administrator for the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, by 5pm on April 30, 2020.
Please send applications to nmarch@thenational.ae and please mark the subject line as “Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism (UAE programme application)”.
The local advisory board will consider all applications and will interview a short list of candidates in Abu Dhabi in June 2020. Successful candidates will be informed before July 30, 2020.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
'Nope'
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
