Morocco - AL-MONITOR: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

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Rabat

Morocco

August 12, 2026

Rabat 11:10 pm

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Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, speaks to the media during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Press Conference at Mexico City Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Analysis

FIFA in turmoil: Middle East takes center stage as Infantino fights to stay in power

Amid the backlash to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial investment plan, upcoming World Cup hosts Morocco and Saudi Arabia have starring roles in the drama.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Ceuta

Explainer

Estimated 60,000 migrants cross from Morocco into Spanish territory: What we know

The influx of asylum seekers has left Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez grappling with the country’s worst migration crisis in years.

Latest News

Explainer

France-Morocco ties get an energy jolt as historic heatwaves pressure Europe

Director of European Affairs and Customs at La Poste Groupe Christelle Defaye-Geneste (L) and Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour (R) sign agreements between La Poste Groupe and Barid Al-Maghrib, alongside France's Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu (C-L) and his Moroccan counterpart, Aziz Akhannouch, during a meeting in Rabat on July 16, 2026.

France ends Morocco’s World Cup run as last Arab and African team standing

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 30: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Naima Morelli

In Rome, reporting on Middle East culture

Francisco Serrano

In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business

People walk through an alley of a traditional souk in the old Medina of Marrakesh on Dec. 30, 2014.

Morocco’s textile industry rebounds, as demand spikes from Northern Europe

The head of Morocco's textile association said there is growing demand from Northern European buyers for locally made knitwear and corporate apparel.

Morocco-EU

Morocco’s economy to benefit as EU drops it from money laundering list

The North African country was removed from the list of high-risk countries for money laundering and terrorism financing in a decision announced by the European Commission on Wednesday.

Hydrogen-powered car

King Mohammed IV launches Morocco's first hydrogen car

The development of the hydrogen-powered vehicle, due to be released in 2025, is a response to the rising global demand for sustainable cars.

Moroccan Prime Minister

Analysis

UK 'obvious choice' as Morocco seeks to diversify trade

In recent months, a flurry of partnerships have been announced between the countries in sectors including transport and renewable energy.

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

This photo shows the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) firing during the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) as part of the annual naval exercises between the Philippine Marine Corps and US Marine Corps at Capas, Tarlac province on October 13, 2022. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP) (Photo by JAM STA ROSA/AFP via Getty Images)

US approves $524 million HIMARS artillery sale to Morocco

The proposed sale, which also includes guided air-to-ground bombs, comes as Morocco draws closer to the United States and rival Algeria pursues stronger ties with Russia.

Sunset shot showing a row of electricity pylons in the desert, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Getty Images)

Analysis

2022 in review: Saudi-China, Qatar-Germany deals cap Middle East's energy developments

Hydrogen power, oil price fluctuations and electric vehicles could feature prominently in the region in 2023.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Morocco's sole oil refinery in Mohammedia, near Casablanca, on June 22, 2019. - Three years after it was liquidated for racking up billions of euros worth of debt, Morocco's sole oil refinery and one-time economic flagship is struggling to attract a buyer and survive. A self-declared "national front" -- comprising employees, economists and union leaders -- is leading the charge to salvage refining company SAMIR, while a trade court desperately seeks a new owner. (Photo by - / AFP) (Photo credit should read

Morocco, Tunisia to face bloated energy costs over 2023-2024

Francisco Serrano

Francisco Serrano

In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business

Morocco fans look on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi final match between France and Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium on December 14, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Culture

Morocco loses to France, exits World Cup after heroic performance

Morocco became the first Arabic-speaking and African nation ever to reach the World Cup semifinals and has won over millions of fans across the world.

Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech of Morocco celebrate after the team's victory during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Morocco and Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Morocco and France players, bound by friendship, face off at World Cup

Morocco beat expectations in Doha last week by becoming the first African and Arabic-speaking country to make it to a World Cup semifinal.

Morocco players celebrate after their win in the penalty shoot out during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain at Education City Stadium on December 06, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Culture

Morocco makes history advancing to World Cup semifinals

Morocco defeated Portugal on Saturday, becoming the first Arab and African nation ever to advance to the round of four in the world soccer championship. Today's game against Portugal has inspired jokes about the medieval Muslim conquest of Iberia.

Morocco's defender #25 Yahya Attiyallah waves his national flag as he celebrates with supporters winning on penalty shoot-out the Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 football match between Morocco and Spain at the Education City Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on December 6, 2022. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Culture

Morocco defeats Spain at World Cup in Doha

Morocco was the only team from North Africa and the Middle East to advance to the round of 16, which won them a lot of support in both the Arab world and on the African continent.

Morocco soccer

Culture

Morocco becomes only MENA team to advance in World Cup

Spain is the next opponent for Morocco, whose team comprises many players from Europe of Moroccan heritage. The team has also used their performance in Doha to display pro-Palestine solidarity.