French officials probe rape accusation against PSG’s Hakimi
February 27, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — French prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into a rape accusation against Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, a judicial official said on Monday.
FIFA anxious to reboot Club World Cup after years of delays
February 1, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — A little-loved member of FIFA’s family of soccer tournaments for so long, the latest Club World Cup starts Wednesday as a seven-team event two years after that format was due to have been abolished and two years before an ambitious revamp with up to 32 teams.
Real Madrid, Seattle Sounders could meet at Club World Cup
January 13, 2023 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — European champion Real Madrid is in line to face Seattle Sounders, the first-ever United States team to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup, at the next edition of the tournament in Morocco in February.
Bayern says Morocco’s Mazraoui had COVID, out with swelling
January 6, 2023 GMTMUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich said Friday that full-back Noussair Mazraoui tested positive for the coronavirus during Morocco's historic run to the semifinals of the World Cup and has since been found to have swelling around his heart.
Cristiano Ronaldo makes big-money move to Saudi Arabian club
December 31, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo completed a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Friday in a deal that is a landmark moment for Middle Eastern soccer but will see one of Europe's biggest stars disappear from the sport's elite stage.
Morocco threatens to skip African soccer tournament
December 28, 2022 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — After its sensational World Cup performance, Morocco's national soccer team might boycott the African Nations Championship next month because of a diplomatic dispute with tournament host Algeria.
Morocco looks to the future after World Cup dream ends
December 15, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Morocco made history, but couldn’t make it past Kylian Mbappé and France.
The first African country to reach the semifinals of the World Cup was eventually beaten by defending champions France, losing 2-0 at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.
AP PHOTOS: Morocco’s World Cup success stirs national pride
Morocco’s World Cup streak brings a joyful Arab embrace
December 12, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — It’s a rare moment in the Middle East when the public’s voice roars louder than those of the governments. But Morocco’s surprise string of wins at the World Cup in Qatar have stirred a joy and pride among Arab fans that have, at least for a moment, eclipsed the region's many political divisions.
Tchouaméni shows at World Cup why Mbappé wanted him at PSG
December 12, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Kylian Mbappé is finally getting his chance to play alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni with France into the World Cup semifinals and Morocco up next on Wednesday.
Portugal prepares for post-Ronaldo era after World Cup exit
December 11, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The fortunes of Portugal’s national team have been inextricably linked with Cristiano Ronaldo for nearly two decades.
Morocco’s tactical masterplan ignites unlikely World Cup run
December 11, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou leant back in his chair, shook his head and said: “Pinch me, I’m dreaming.”
Yes, Morocco really is in the World Cup semifinals.
Mbappé to face good friend Hakimi in World Cup semifinal
December 11, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Kylian Mbappé is going to meet his good friend Achraf Hakimi again at this World Cup.
Not like the first time in Qatar last week, when the France star went to visit his Paris Saint-Germain teammate at the Morocco team hotel in downtown Doha.
Ecstatic Moroccans celebrate World Cup victory over Portugal
December 10, 2022 GMTRABAT, Morocco (AP) — Ecstatic Moroccans poured into the streets of cities across the North African country and far beyond on Saturday, waving flags, honking horns and lighting flares to celebrate the national soccer team's historic victory over Portugal at the World Cup.
Morocco reaches World Cup semifinals, tops Portugal, Ronaldo
December 10, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Africa finally has a team in the World Cup semifinals, and so does the Arab world.
Morocco coach skeptical World Cup can open door to Europe
December 9, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — Morocco coach Walid Regragui has guided his team to the World Cup quarterfinals — the first time an Arab nation has advanced that far in the tournament.
Ronaldo, Portugal look to end Morocco’s World Cup run
December 9, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — These really are pinch-yourself times for Morocco: A first-ever spot in the quarterfinals of a World Cup — the first to take place in the Arab world, no less — and now a meeting with Portugal and its superstar striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.