World Cup
Morocco Unveils World-Class Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Eve of World Cup Qualifier
By KUNLE SOLAJA, Rabat, Morocco.
On the eve of a high-stakes World Cup qualifier that could see Morocco become the first African team to book its place at the 2026 finals, the country unveiled another symbol of its sporting ambition: the transformed Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
.On Thursday evening, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over the inauguration of the stadium in Rabat, ushering in a new era for one of the kingdom’s most iconic arenas.
The timing was more than symbolic.
As the Atlas Lions prepared to face Niger Republic, their home ground was revealed as an architectural gem befitting a team now synonymous with African excellence on the world stage.
Once considered an enviable facility in African football, the stadium has now been reimagined into something far beyond its original form.
The old structure before the remodeling
The renovation, carried out under the directives of King Mohammed VI, aligns with Morocco’s preparations for two monumental events: the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2030, which Morocco will co-host.
The result is nothing short of spectacular. With a capacity of 68,700, the new Moulay Abdellah Stadium gleams with modernity, sustainability, and connectivity—principles that guided every detail of its reconstruction.
The new Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
Built entirely by Moroccan expertise, the arena now meets, and in some respects exceeds, the highest international standards.
Its most striking feature is Africa’s first hybrid natural lawn, a surface combining natural grass and synthetic fibres to guarantee durability, drainage, and rapid recovery while ensuring player safety.
The pitch represents not just technological progress, but Morocco’s determination to lead the continent in sporting infrastructure.
Beyond the playing field, the stadium offers 110 private boxes, five luxury lounges accommodating nearly 5,400 guests, and fully accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility.
Three tiers of hospitality spaces ensure that fans of every stripe—from diehard supporters to VIP guests—will experience world-class comfort.
Journalists, too, have been considered. A large media centre equipped with the latest technical and logistical resources reflects Morocco’s understanding that modern sport thrives as much in storytelling as in spectacle.
The inauguration of Moulay Abdellah Stadium sends a clear message: Morocco is not only preparing for the future, it is setting the pace for it.
With AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2030 on the horizon, the kingdom is making sure its facilities reflect its growing stature in global football.
For the Atlas Lions, the hope is that the grandeur of their new home will inspire performances to match—starting with Friday’s clash against Niger Republic, where history beckons once again.
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The following is a list of teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
UNITED STATES
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Third place (1930)
MEXICO:
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
CANADA:
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Group stage (1986, 2022)
JAPAN
Qualified on March, 20.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
NEW ZEALAND
Qualified on March, 24.
Best performance: Group stage (1982, 2010)
IRAN
Qualified on March, 25.
Best performance: Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)
ARGENTINA
Qualified on March, 25.
Best performance: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
UZBEKISTAN
Qualified on June, 5.
Best performance: Never previously qualified.
SOUTH KOREA
Qualified June, 5.
Best performance: Fourth place (2002)
JORDAN
Qualified June, 5.
Best performance: Never previously qualified.
AUSTRALIA
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006, 2022)
BRAZIL
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
ECUADOR
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006)
URUGUAY
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Winners (1930, 1950)
COLOMBIA
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2014)
PARAGUAY
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2010)
MOROCCO
Qualified September, 5.
Best performance: Semi-finals (2022)
TUNISIA
Qualified September, 8.
Best performance: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022)
EGYPT
Qualified October, 8.
Best performance: Round of 16 (1934)
-Reuters
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Egypt became the third African country to book a berth at next year’s World Cup finals with an easy 3-0 win over Djibouti in Casablanca on Wednesday that secured them top place in Group A with one game remaining.
Egypt, who have competed at three previous World Cups, join fellow north African nations Morocco and Tunisia at the 2026 tournament in North America.
-Reuters
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Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun is still awaiting an entry visa to South Africa, creating the possibility that Nigeria may prosecute the encounter with only 21 available players.
Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle will have a total of 20 players available for Wednesday’s second training session, as the Super Eagles intensify preparations for the tie against the Crocodiles.
By Tuesday night, 18 players had checked into the team’s camp at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, with Portugal-based defender Zaidu Sanusi and Spain-based forward Jerome Akor Adams expected to join on Wednesday. United States-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi is due to arrive on Thursday.
Chelle has had to adjust his squad following injuries to Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers, prompting the late inclusion of Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche of Crystal Palace. Earlier, a knock to wing-back Felix Agu had reduced the initial 23-man roster to 22.
Team captain William Ekong lacing his boots for training in Polokwane on Tuesday
Friday’s Matchday 9 fixture will kick off at 6pm South Africa time (5pm Nigeria time) at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, as the Super Eagles aim to strengthen their position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race.
21 SUPER EAGLES TO BATTLE LESOTHO IN POLOKWANE
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
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