Morocco make Women’s World Cup debut after meteoric rise
1 year, 5 months ago

Morocco make Women’s World Cup debut after meteoric rise

Al Jazeera  

The Atlas Lionesses are the first Arab nation to reach a Women’s World Cup, and the excitement in Morocco is building. And though the team fell short in a 2-1 loss to South Africa, it was a statement to the world that women’s football in Morocco was ready to rub shoulders with the best. Now, with the success of the men’s team at the World Cup in Qatar – where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals – and the Atlas Lionesses being the first Arab nation to qualify for a Women’s World Cup, the excitement in Morocco is building. “ spent a lot of time just on the men’s side in 2014,” said Khadija Illa, at the time president of club AMFF Laayoune and now head of the women’s domestic league in Morocco.

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History of this topic

Women’s World Cup champion Spain poised for long run among soccer elite with talented young team
1 year, 4 months ago

Women’s World Cup champion Spain poised for long run among soccer elite with talented young team

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — Newly crowned Women’s World Cup champion Spain has established itself for a long run among soccer’s elite with its young and talented roster of rising stars. “It’s something huge.” Spain joined Germany as the only two nations to win both men’s and women’s World Cup titles and Bonmati spoke about inspiring a generation — just like her hero …

Women’s World Cup champions Spain set for long run among football’s elite
1 year, 4 months ago

Women’s World Cup champions Spain set for long run among football’s elite

Al Jazeera  

Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup shows the rest of the world is catching up to the traditional powers. Newly crowned Women’s World Cup champions Spain have established themselves for a long run among football’s elite with their young and talented roster of rising stars. “It’s something huge.” Spain joined Germany as the only nations to win both …

Impossible is not Moroccan — The Arab nation’s fairy tale run could be the start of a new chapter
1 year, 4 months ago

Impossible is not Moroccan — The Arab nation’s fairy tale run could be the start of a new chapter

The Hindu  

The fairy tale journey Moroccan women’s team was on came to an end on Tuesday when it lost to a dominant France. The Gist The success of Moroccan women can be attributed to their domestic leagues where the situation is far better than the rest of Arab and African countries The players of Moroccan academies have the same access to …

FIFA Women’s World Cup: How Morocco became the first Arab side to qualify for WWC knockouts
1 year, 4 months ago

FIFA Women’s World Cup: How Morocco became the first Arab side to qualify for WWC knockouts

The Hindu  

Until late 2022, Morocco was not the most prominent African footballing nation when it came to FIFA World Cups. In its maiden attempt, Morocco created history at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, becoming the first Arab nation to make the competition’s knockouts. This feat came just eight months after Morocco finished fourth at the …

Morocco’s Women’s World Cup run on par with men in Qatar 2022, says coach Pedros
1 year, 4 months ago

Morocco’s Women’s World Cup run on par with men in Qatar 2022, says coach Pedros

The Hindu  

Morocco coach Reynald Pedros said Tuesday his team reaching the Women’s World Cup last 16 was as impressive as the country’s men getting to the semifinals of the Qatar World Cup. Its run ended with a 4-0 loss to France in Adelaide but Morocco exceeded all expectations by getting to the knockout rounds at its debut Women’s World Cup. READ: …

Women’s World Cup: Morocco 1, Western media 0
1 year, 4 months ago

Women’s World Cup: Morocco 1, Western media 0

Al Jazeera  

It’s a historic moment for Morocco and, in particular, for the country’s women. Eight months after their male counterparts made history in reaching the semi-finals of the men’s World Cup, the Moroccan women’s football team have shaken up the sport’s traditional hierarchy. The first Arab and Muslim-majority nation to qualify for the ongoing Women’s World Cup, the Moroccan side has …

Bittersweet emotions in Morocco as historic Women’s World Cup run ends
1 year, 4 months ago

Bittersweet emotions in Morocco as historic Women’s World Cup run ends

Al Jazeera  

Atlas Lionesses make history at the World Cup, and despite 4-0 loss to France, Moroccans are optimistic about women’s sport. Among them, two female athletes who had just won gold medals at the Francophone Games in Kinshasa were watching their national women’s team play in the World Cup for the first time. A year later, they have continued to win …

History will be made at Women’s World Cup as Colombia, Jamaica and Morocco seek quarterfinal spots
1 year, 4 months ago

History will be made at Women’s World Cup as Colombia, Jamaica and Morocco seek quarterfinal spots

Associated Press  

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — History will be made Tuesday in at least one of the Women’s World Cup knockout games, where three teams try to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in their history. The Reggae Girlz are playing in their second consecutive World Cup — they were eliminated in group play in 2019 — and needed a …

Women’s World Cup 2023: Morocco reaches knockout rounds with 1-0 win over Colombia
1 year, 4 months ago

Women’s World Cup 2023: Morocco reaches knockout rounds with 1-0 win over Colombia

The Hindu  

Morocco has beaten Colombia 1-0 to make it to the Women’s World Cup knockout round – and to make even more history. Morocco is the first Arab or North African nation to go this far at the Women’s World Cup. It is the only one of eight tournament newcomers to advance, Morocco’s winning goal came in first-half stoppage time, when …

Morocco makes more Women’s World Cup history, reaching knockout rounds with a 1-0 win over Colombia
1 year, 4 months ago

Morocco makes more Women’s World Cup history, reaching knockout rounds with a 1-0 win over Colombia

Associated Press  

PERTH, Australia — After playing their part by edging Colombia 1-0, Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses huddled on the pitch in Perth to follow the end of the Germany-South Korea group-stage finale at the Women’s World Cup and hope it remained tied. Morocco is the first Arab or North African nation to qualify for the Women’s World Cup and now the first …

Women’s World Cup: Biggest surprises, top underdogs and title favorites
1 year, 4 months ago

Women’s World Cup: Biggest surprises, top underdogs and title favorites

LA Times  

When FIFA decided to expand the Women’s World Cup to a record 32 teams and 64 games this year, the expectation was many qualifiers would arrive in New Zealand and Australia unable to compete at this level. The reality has been exactly the opposite: The group stage of this tournament was the most competitive, exciting and well-played in history. 72 …

Debutants Morocco beat Colombia to reach last 16 of Women’s World Cup
1 year, 4 months ago

Debutants Morocco beat Colombia to reach last 16 of Women’s World Cup

Al Jazeera  

Goal by Anissa Lahmari gives the win to Atlas Lionesses as Germany are eliminated after 1-1 draw with South Korea. Morocco have beaten Colombia 1-0 to advance to the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup in their first appearance at the tournament. The two teams generated chances in the first half, but it was only in stoppage time when …

WATCH: Morocco players break into mad celebrations after first-ever FIFA Women's WC knockouts qualification
1 year, 4 months ago

WATCH: Morocco players break into mad celebrations after first-ever FIFA Women's WC knockouts qualification

India TV News  

Morocco stunned Colombia in their final Group H match in Perth 1-0 as they continued their dream run in the FIFA Women's World Cup and created history by qualifying for the knockouts for the first time at this level. Anissa Lahmari's goal helped Morocco clinch a thrilling contest but even after the match was over, they weren't assured of a …

Moroccan joy as national team makes history at Women’s World Cup
1 year, 4 months ago

Moroccan joy as national team makes history at Women’s World Cup

Al Jazeera  

Celebrations as the team beat Colombia – and make it through to the last 16 of the tournament. The team also includes Nouhaila Benzina, the first Muslim woman wearing a hijab to play at the World Cup. Writing on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, the Moroccan national football team posted a simple message in Arabic: “The …

Atlas Lionesses become latest Morocco team to earn a World Cup upset
1 year, 4 months ago

Atlas Lionesses become latest Morocco team to earn a World Cup upset

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Morocco’s teams are getting used to upsetting higher-ranked opponents on soccer’s biggest stage. With a 1-0 win over South Korea in Adelaide, South Australia on Sunday, the Atlas Lionesses earned their first Women’s World Cup victory in their debut tournament. “We have the same sense of determination and motivation, that this is a dream that’s going to …

Morocco creates history after beating South Korea to claim first ever Women’s World Cup victory
1 year, 4 months ago

Morocco creates history after beating South Korea to claim first ever Women’s World Cup victory

The Hindu  

Debutantes Morocco claimed its first-ever victory at the Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 win over South Korea in its second Group H encounter on Sunday, all but confirming the Asian side’s exit. Morocco is 55 rungs below South Korea in the women’s rankings, but the African side made an early breakthrough with their first-ever World Cup goal in the …

Morocco makes history in 1-0 defeat of South Korea at Women’s World Cup
1 year, 4 months ago

Morocco makes history in 1-0 defeat of South Korea at Women’s World Cup

Associated Press  

ADELAIDE, Australia — Morocco made history in multiple ways during its 1-0 victory over South Korea in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday. Defender Nouhaila Benzina became the first player to wear a Hijab in a World Cup game at the senior level, and her teammate Ibtissam Jraïdi scored the Atlas Lionesses’ first World Cup goal. KEY MOMENTS Morocco scored …

Who is Nouhaila Benzina? The first player in FIFA Women’s World Cup to compete in hijab
1 year, 4 months ago

Who is Nouhaila Benzina? The first player in FIFA Women’s World Cup to compete in hijab

The Hindu  

Stepping onto the field against South Korea in Morocco’s second Women’s World Cup match, defender Nouhaila Benzina made history as the first player to wear a hijab while competing at a senior-level global tournament. Benzina plays professional club football for the Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal – the eight-time defending champion in Morocco’s top women’s league. Morocco is the …

Morocco’s Benzina becomes the first senior-level Women’s World Cup player to compete in hijab
1 year, 4 months ago

Morocco’s Benzina becomes the first senior-level Women’s World Cup player to compete in hijab

Associated Press  

ADELAIDE, Australia — Stepping onto the field against South Korea in Morocco’s second Women’s World Cup match, defender Nouhaila Benzina made history as the first player to wear a hijab while competing at a senior-level global tournament. Benzina plays professional club soccer for the Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal – the eight-time defending champion in Morocco’s top women’s league. …

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Germany Dismantle Morocco 6-0 In Their Opening Group Stage Match
1 year, 5 months ago

FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Germany Dismantle Morocco 6-0 In Their Opening Group Stage Match

News 18  

Germany opened their World Cup campaign on the highest of notes, as die Nationalelf dominated Morocco 6-0 in their opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. But, Germany’s persistent gegen-pressing and discipline proved too much for Morocco as Alexandra Popp popped one in the back of the goal again, to make her the fourth-joint highest goalscorer in German …

Morocco, Benzina set to make Women’s World Cup history in a game against Germany
1 year, 5 months ago

Morocco, Benzina set to make Women’s World Cup history in a game against Germany

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — When Nouhaila Benzina steps onto the field for Morocco’s first match of the Women’s World Cup against Germany, she will make history — and not just as a player for the first Arab or North African nation ever in the tournament. “Girls will look at Benzina ‘That could be me,’” said Assmaah Helal, a co-founder of the …

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Morocco set for WC debut in another landmark
1 year, 5 months ago

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Morocco set for WC debut in another landmark

The Hindu  

Months after the men’s groundbreaking run to the semi-finals in Qatar, Morocco’s women will make World Cup history of their own on Monday. When the Atlas Lionesses face two-time former champions Germany in Melbourne they will be the first Arab team to play at a Women’s World Cup. READ | FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Norwegian forward Graham Hansen sick …

FIFA Women’s World Cup: Debutant Zambia looks to stun powerhouse Japan in WWC 2023 opener
1 year, 5 months ago

FIFA Women’s World Cup: Debutant Zambia looks to stun powerhouse Japan in WWC 2023 opener

The Hindu  

Zambia makes its Women’s World Cup debut against Japan as a questionable participant in the elite tournament. Zambia head coach Bruce Mwape during the press conference ahead of opening match and Women’s World Cup game against Japan. Its squad is largely comprised of players that won the Under-20 Women’s World Cup five years ago. Injury setback for Zambia Zambia’s key …

FIFA Women’s World Cup: Germany missing key pair for opener against Morocco
1 year, 5 months ago

FIFA Women’s World Cup: Germany missing key pair for opener against Morocco

The Hindu  

Germany is set to start its FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign on Monday without key players Marina Hegering and Lena Oberdorf through injury, as it chases a third title. Germany also faces Colombia and South Korea in Group H. Hegering is the cornerstone of the German defence but is struggling with an ankle injury, while midfield dynamo Oberdorf has a …

FIFA Women’s World Cup: ‘Epic’ Zambia no underdog, says coach Mwape
1 year, 5 months ago

FIFA Women’s World Cup: ‘Epic’ Zambia no underdog, says coach Mwape

The Hindu  

Zambia coach Bruce Mwape said Friday his “epic” team will run the “old people” in opposing sides off their feet at the FIFA Women’s World Cup -- starting with former champions Japan. “Experience is also important, but the games that we have played, I think our girls now have gained that experience.” Goalscoring hasn’t been a problem for Zambia, with …

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Afghan players watch Morocco’s team practice, hoping to get their chance
1 year, 5 months ago

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Afghan players watch Morocco’s team practice, hoping to get their chance

The Hindu  

Over the next month, 32 national football teams will compete across Australia and New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup. “This is a huge chance for the Moroccan team to show the world that Muslim women in every single country can participate,” Afghanistan’s Farida Mohammadi said. “We’re living in a modern era, and we don’t have to follow the old-school …

Afghan players watch Morocco’s team practice for Women’s World Cup, hoping to get their chance
1 year, 5 months ago

Afghan players watch Morocco’s team practice for Women’s World Cup, hoping to get their chance

Associated Press  

MELBOURNE, Australia — Over the next month, 32 national soccer teams will compete across Australia and New Zealand in the Women’s World Cup. “This is a huge chance for the Moroccan team to show the world that Muslim women in every single country can participate,” said Afghan player Farida, who wanted to use one name. “We’re living in a modern …

Why the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is going to be epic
1 year, 5 months ago

Why the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is going to be epic

Live Mint  

Momentum is one of the most coveted intangibles in sport. If the 2019 World Cup—defined by the Megan Rapinoe-led USA’s ingenuity and impudence—shattered the glass ceiling, the 2023 edition may well see women’s football soar. Even then, the first official Women’s World Cup, in 1991, was called the 1st FIFA World Championship for Women's Football for the M&Ms Cup, with …

Women’s World Cup 2023: Spain team guide
1 year, 5 months ago

Women’s World Cup 2023: Spain team guide

New York Times  

Spain took part in the Women’s World Cup for the first time only in 2015. Whether the return of those players makes enough of a difference given the dispute that has rumbled on for so long remains to be seen… GO DEEPER A guide to Group C at the Women's World Cup: A mix of chaos, inconsistency and unpredictability Manager …

Football players’ union FIFPRO eyes 2023 World Cup as catalyst to professionalise women’s game
1 year, 5 months ago

Football players’ union FIFPRO eyes 2023 World Cup as catalyst to professionalise women’s game

The Hindu  

A risk of overloading women’s football players in Europe. One week before the Women’s World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand, global players’ union FIFPRO published analysis on Thursday of its members’ workload on the 32 teams’ road to the July 20-Aug. 20 tournament. READ | FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Group E preview: USA to lock horns …

FIFA Women’s World Cup, Group C Preview: WWC 2023 team news, analysis; Alexia Putellas in the spotlight for Spain
1 year, 5 months ago

FIFA Women’s World Cup, Group C Preview: WWC 2023 team news, analysis; Alexia Putellas in the spotlight for Spain

The Hindu  

Group C of the Women’s World Cup has clear favourites on paper in terms of which teams will qualify for the knockouts. Spain No of World Cups played: 3 No of World Cup matches played: 7 No of World Cup goals: 6 Current FIFA Ranking: 6 Road to World Cup: UEFA Qualification Group B winners Coach: Jorge Vilda Key player: …

FIFA Women’s World Cup: Ayane to lead Morocco challenge
1 year, 5 months ago

FIFA Women’s World Cup: Ayane to lead Morocco challenge

The Hindu  

Morocco has included Tottenham Hotspur forward Rosella Ayane in its final squad for the women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, one of 14 overseas-based players selected by coach Reynald Pedros. The majority of that team has been retained, with influential captain Ghizlane Chebbak one of seven players from Moroccan club Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales, which is …

Women’s World Cup 2023: Guide to Group C
1 year, 5 months ago

Women’s World Cup 2023: Guide to Group C

New York Times  

Group C: Spain, Japan, Costa Rica, Zambia Group C is wide open, considering the relative inconsistency, unpredictability and chaos surrounding some of the teams in this group. Watch on BBC in the UK, on FS1 and Telemundo in the U.S. Spain v Costa Rica. Watch on BBC in the UK, on FS1 and Universo in the U.S. July 26: Japan …

Morocco’s historic Women’s World Cup debut inspires girls
1 year, 5 months ago

Morocco’s historic Women’s World Cup debut inspires girls

The Hindu  

The game was sparsely attended; it was midweek and the match wasn’t going to be a nail-biter: the Association Sportive des Forces Armees Royales, a powerhouse in women’s football here, ended up crushing its Moroccan national women’s professional league opponent 7-0. “Sports don’t differentiate between genders.” He said the Lionesses’ achievement “shows how women’s football has progressed” in the North …

Morocco’s historic Women’s World Cup performance inspires girls even if some in Arab world ignore it
1 year, 5 months ago

Morocco’s historic Women’s World Cup performance inspires girls even if some in Arab world ignore it

Associated Press  

RABAT, Morocco — The game was sparsely attended; it was midweek and the outcome wasn’t much in doubt: the Association Sportive des Forces Armees Royales, a powerhouse in women’s soccer here, ended up crushing its Moroccan women’s national professional league opponent 7-0. Sports don’t differentiate between genders.” Speaking ahead of the start of the Women’s World Cup, he said the …

Saudi Arabia gets first female international football referee
1 year, 11 months ago

Saudi Arabia gets first female international football referee

The Hindu  

Saudi Arabia’s first female international referee was appointed by FIFA on Thursday, less than a year after the conservative kingdom’s national women’s team made its debut. Anoud Al-Asmari’s international badge is the latest in a series of steps in football by the oil-rich Saudis, who have lured 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League and are mulling a World …

Morocco threatens to skip African soccer tournament
1 year, 11 months ago

Morocco threatens to skip African soccer tournament

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy After its sensational World Cup …

WATCH: Moroccan Players and Their Mothers Honoured By King Mohammed VI
2 years ago

WATCH: Moroccan Players and Their Mothers Honoured By King Mohammed VI

News 18  

Morocco made headlines at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2022 as they became the first African or Arab nation to reach the semi-final of the biggest tournament in the world. A special moment for Morocco’s World Cup heroes as they are honoured by their King while accompanied by their mothers ❤️🎖🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/ZJMsMKpB0i— ESPN FC December 21, 2022 The Atlas …

Moroccans to welcome home history-making World Cup team
2 years ago

Moroccans to welcome home history-making World Cup team

The Hindu  

Morocco’s national football team is set to return home on Tuesday after accomplishing the seemingly impossible feat of finishing fourth at the World Cup in Qatar. As the first African or Arab team to reach the World Cup semifinals, the Moroccan team, known as the Atlas Lions, made history and was one of the big success stories of this year’s …

What’s happened to Qatar’s women’s team?
2 years ago

What’s happened to Qatar’s women’s team?

New York Times  

“That happened once and it was a scandal,” says Helena Costa, the first coach of Qatar’s women’s national team. The former FIFA president Sepp Blatter when Qatar won the race to host the 2022 men’s World Cup FIFA’s bid evaluation report published in 2010 said that Qatar mentions the “establishment of structures for non-elite football ” and “promotion of women’s …

Social media reacts after Morocco’s historic World Cup run
2 years ago

Social media reacts after Morocco’s historic World Cup run

Al Jazeera  

The dream is over for the Atlas Lions but they brought much of the world along for the ride. United States website Bleacher Report, and United Kingdom-based Goal magazine spoke for many when reflecting on events after the game: This Morocco team will go down in history 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/j90HWRF1D7 — GOAL December 14, 2022 English YouTuber Chunkz spoke of the …

FIFA World Cup: Motherly love does the magic for lion-hearted Morocco stars in Qatar
2 years ago

FIFA World Cup: Motherly love does the magic for lion-hearted Morocco stars in Qatar

India Today  

The Morocco fairytale has been the biggest story to emerge out of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Sturdy defence, counter-attacks at break-neck speed and never-say-die spirit have been the main ingredients of Morocco's success recipe at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi was Explaining the logic behind travelling with families to the World Cup, Regragui …

Morocco’s World Cup magic potion: Football parents and fans
2 years ago

Morocco’s World Cup magic potion: Football parents and fans

Al Jazeera  

The secret of Morocco’s success at World Cup 2022 might come down to the players’ parents who have joined them. But Hakimi’s mother is not the only Moroccan football parent who has travelled to Qatar to support her son at the 2022 World Cup. He said as much immediately after taking the job, at the Mohamed VI Complex in Maamoura, …

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