Kingdom of Morocco: North Africa's Maghreb nation and regional power
Five men were injured in a series of Friday evening attacks in Edinburgh, targeting Muslims and people of colour. A 38-year-old white Scottish man has been charged. First Minister John Swinney has expressed solidarity with affected communities as counter-terrorism police assess the incidents; authorities say there is no wider threat.
Egypt has qualified for the World Cup Round of 32 and will face Australia in Arlington, Texas, next Saturday; Egypt finished second in Group G after a 1-1 draw with Iran and Belgium’s 5-1 win over New Zealand. Mohamed Salah left the Iran game with a left-leg bandage in the 57th minute and his participation against Australia is currently uncertain.
Scotland has exited the World Cup group stage after defeats to Morocco and Brazil, with Haiti the only win. Steve Clarke has announced his departure after seven years in charge, ending Scotland's recent run of major tournament appearances. The Scottish FA says the team showed progress despite the group-stage exit.
Scotland have suffered a 3-0 loss to Brazil in Miami, leaving Steve Clarke’s side waiting on other results to progress as one of the best third-placed teams. Tierney says the team is focused on outcomes elsewhere while remaining professional at their Charlotte base.
Scotland is chasing a last-32 place at the World Cup after a string of mixed results. Vinícius Júnior has sparked danger up front for Brazil, and Scotland is restoring lineup options, including Ben Gannon-Doak, as the team prepares for a decisive match.
Scotland has progressed with three points but faces a high-stakes finale against Brazil; outcomes depend on results elsewhere and injuries to key players. The scenario remains live as groups near completion.
Scotland has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil. The loss leaves them third in Group C with three points and a -3 goal difference, ending any hopes of advancing to the knockout stages. Final standings and subsequent Nations League schedule are set.
Canada finished second in Group B after a 6-0 win over Qatar and a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while South Africa finished runners-up in Group A after a slow start and key win over South Korea. The last-32 match in Los Angeles pits Marsch’s men against Bafana Bafana, with the winner advancing to face either the Netherlands or Morocco.
The World Cup has reached the knockout-ready phase. Groups have concluded, with Spain, France, Argentina, Brazil, England and Germany topping groups. The United States has clinched top spot in Group D after two wins, advancing to a Round of 32, while 16 teams exit at the group stage and 104 matches are scheduled overall.
The latest reports show authorities intensifying crackdowns on dissent, with multiple arrests and prosecutions in Egypt and Morocco, while Russia pursues penal actions against critics abroad. Protests and detentions are part of a broader pattern of government hostility toward voices of dissent.
A roundup of how African, Arab and European teams are finalising squads and tactics for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Managers reshuffle, injuries and tactical changes shape expectations as teams prepare to the tournament. The Guardian and other outlets report on Egypt, DR Congo, Jordan, Tunisia, and more as they approach their first appearances or campaigns.
Iraq has secured a historic World Cup berth after a tense qualifying campaign, overcoming political and logistical obstacles. Arnold’s side has battled through stress, war-related disruption, and long travels to reach Monterrey and clinch a place in the finals.
Grass fields have been installed and tailored blends tested across MetLife and other venues to standardize play for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Trials show warm- and cool-climate grasses are needed for reliability and safety.
The Brazilian team prepares for its World Cup opener against Morocco as Neymar's calf injury casts doubt on his participation. Wesley’s thigh injury has sidelined him, while Brito’s passing is mourned by the federation. Marquinhos is named captain as the squad faces scrutiny over expectations and history.
Airlines are expanding premium cabins and adding routes to host World Cup cities as bookings rise in June and July. United, Delta and others are boosting capacity with larger aircraft and special routes, while some markets see premium pricing and strategic network adjustments.
The Knicks have clinched the NBA title, sparking celebrations across New York. Security around Madison Square Garden has intensified due to a presidential attendance, with perimeter controls and TSA-style screenings. Parades and watch parties are planned with limited outdoor viewing options.
Scotland has cancelled a closed-door training game with Norway in Charlotte due to injuries, prompting strong criticism from Norway’s coach and players. Clarke says the cancellation is precautionary, while Norway allege unprofessional conduct. The dispute follows Billy Gilmour’s injury and Scotland’s 4-0 win over Bolivia.
Omar Artan has been denied entry to the United States and removed from FIFA’s World Cup referees after U.S. Customs and Border Protection found him inadmissible during vetting. Artan returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday and received a hero's welcome; Somali officials and football figures have protested the decision.
England has opened its World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Arlington, Texas. Harry Kane has scored twice in the first half, Jude Bellingham has put England ahead just after half-time and Marcus Rashford has sealed the win late on. Elsewhere Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo and Ghana beat Panama 1-0.
Haiti's World Cup kit has been redesigned after FIFA ruled a depiction of the 1803 Battle of Vertieres and related symbols could be interpreted as political. Saeta has updated the design to comply; Haiti opens against Scotland in Foxborough this weekend.
New York City hosts World Cup events this weekend, with eager fans lining up for limited-edition NYC-themed jerseys and crowds causing transport disruptions. Authorities declare gridlock alerts as fans gather, while city leaders promote open-play events and local merchandise.
New York’s sports calendar is electric as the Knicks near a Finals run while the World Cup event schedule intensifies in nearby venues. Mayors, athletes and fans are channeling city-wide energy toward a rare convergence of basketball and soccer this summer.
Scotland fans have arrived in Boston for the World Cup, joining tens of thousands in celebrations and travel logistics. Reports describe adherence to fan zones, ticket availability shifts, and travel challenges, including visa/ESTA issues affecting some supporters as prices fluctuate and crowds navigate the pre-tournament atmosphere.
Omar Artan, Somalia’s top referee, has been denied entry to the United States on vetting grounds during the World Cup. FIFA will pay him for the tournament, and UEFA has appointed him to officiate future matches. The incident has sparked criticism of host-country immigration policies and sparked broader debate about the World Cup’s inclusivity.
Tunisia has dismissed Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 opening loss to Sweden and has appointed Hervé Renard to lead the team for its remaining Group F matches. Renard has arrived in Monterrey with four days to prepare for Saturday's match against Japan and brings World Cup experience with Morocco and Saudi Arabia plus two Africa Cup of Nations titles.
The World Cup opener slate shows Morocco, Brazil, and Germany launching campaigns with competitive results. Messi leads Argentina to a commanding win in Group; Portugal, DR Congo draw; Ivory Coast beats Ecuador; Japan draws with the Netherlands; Germany crush Curacao; Brazil and Morocco draw in a tactically fraught encounter.
Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain has tested the expanded World Cup format, showing that emergent nations can compete at the highest level. Vozinha’s saves and a stubborn defense have elevated Cape Verde’s profile and sparked global attention.
France hosts Senegal in a high-stakes World Cup clash at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Didier Deschamps is managing Mbappé’s public profile while protecting the squad from distractions; Senegal brings defensive strength and pace to challenge the defending champions.
Scotland fans have converged on Boston for the World Cup, driving bars to stock shortages and city-wide celebrations. The Scots mark their first World Cup appearance in 28 years with mass fanfare, including massed bagpipes, street celebrations, and notable moments like a traffic-cone tradition tied to Glasgow’s Duke of Wellington statue.
JetBlue has expanded its Mint premium cabin and cross‑country flying from Fort Lauderdale, with plans to add more Mint flights to San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The moves come as the airline shifts focus from New York–area bases to Florida growth, following Spirit’s collapse and ongoing cost‑control efforts. The company faces quarterly losses even as revenue grows.
England extends its 4-2 victory after a measured lineup; Ghana brings in Benjamin Asare after injury and recalls Thomas Partey amid visa issues. Canada and Morocco lineups unfold in mid-tage fixtures for WC 2026.
Morocco has defeated Scotland 1-0 in Boston as Ismael Saibari scores after 71 seconds, keeping them on track to advance from Group C. Scotland’s attack struggles and Hakimi faces a separate legal case, while Morocco eye further progress in their remaining group game.
Tunisia has dismissed coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 loss to Sweden and has appointed Hervé Renard to lead the team as World Cup progress remains uncertain. Renard is preparing a squad that faces Japan with the goal of advancing from Group F, despite an upstart schedule and a short preparation window.
Brazil is set to finish Group C with a final match against Scotland. Neymar, sidelined by a right calf injury, is training individually and is expected to be available for the clash, potentially boosting Brazil’s title chances.
Scottish supporters have arrived in Boston for the World Cup, injecting energy into the city as they cheer on their team. Reports highlight hospitality, cross-cultural exchanges, and the debate over heat and travel as fans pursue fixtures in the U.S. before returning home.
A round-up of Guardian food pieces highlights how to make bright, seasonally focused meals with minimal fuss. From orecchiette with courgettes to chermoula fish and fast chicken bites, readers are offered practical, tasty ideas that fit into busy summer schedules.
Switzerland has beaten Canada 2-1 to seal top spot in Group B while Canada exits the group stage after a historic run; Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 to finish third and await potential extension based on points. Vargas and Manzambi strike for Switzerland; Edin Džeko nets milestone moment for Bosnia; Koné returns from injury in Vancouver.
The Guardian reports Brazil’s faltering form at the 2026 World Cup amid debate over Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. Uruguay and Argentina win praise for their exploits as stars like Vinícius Jr. and Neymar headline a tournament that keeps fans guessing about Brazil’s trajectory.
Crews are conducting a search-and-recovery operation after a Marine went missing from the USS Anchorage during integrated training. The search area covers about 2,400 square miles and involves three surface ships and 12 aircraft from multiple services. The Navy has announced a shift from rescue to recovery as the situation evolves.