Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have received a major boost following a convincing 5–0 friendly victory over Burundi and reports that highly rated teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi has chosen to represent the Atlas Lions over France.

The 18-year-old Lille midfielder is understood to have committed his international future to Morocco, further strengthening a squad already benefiting from a growing pool of Europe-based talent.

Morocco were held to a goalless first half before producing an impressive display after the break in the behind-closed-doors match at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

Bentayeb and Youssef El Kaabi both scored twice, while Benjdida added a fifth goal. Sbaï and Maamma provided the assists as Morocco overwhelmed Burundi in the second half.

The match formed part of the team’s early preparations under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who took charge in March 2026 following the departure of Walid Regragui.

Further Attacking Quality

Morocco’s attacking options have also been strengthened by Brahim Díaz, who was among the standout performers at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, finishing as one of the tournament’s top scorers.

His creativity and experience provide another major weapon for the Atlas Lions as they continue building toward the World Cup.

Morocco return to the World Cup in 2026 following their historic semi-final run in Qatar 2022, where they became the first African nation to reach the last four of the tournament.

This time, however, the Atlas Lions face another difficult challenge after being drawn alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C.

Morocco will open their campaign against Haiti before facing Scotland and five-time world champions Brazil in what is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.

The clash against Brazil will provide a major test of Morocco’s progress since their breakthrough tournament in Qatar, while Scotland are expected to offer another physically demanding encounter.

Growing Expectations

Bouaddi’s reported decision to represent Morocco highlights the federation’s continued success in attracting dual-nationality talent developed in Europe.

The move reflects the country’s long-term strategy of building a deeper and more competitive national team capable of competing consistently at the highest level.

Morocco’s growing influence in world football is also reflected in its role as co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, further cementing the country’s place on the global football stage.

With a World Cup semi-final already achieved, a talented new generation emerging, and established stars continuing to perform at the highest level, expectations surrounding Morocco are now higher than ever.

For the Atlas Lions, the challenge is no longer simply making history—but proving they can remain among football’s elite.

Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been overshadowed by the absence of key attacker Mohammed Kudus from the squad named for the upcoming training camp and friendly against Wales, raising fresh questions over the Black Stars’ attacking depth.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has selected a 28-man squad for the camp in Cardiff, with the friendly against Wales scheduled for 2 June, as Ghana step up preparations for the tournament in North America.

Kudus, who has not featured for his club since early January, is being managed cautiously amid ongoing fitness concerns.

While there remains optimism he could return in time for the World Cup, his omission highlights uncertainty around one of Ghana’s most influential players.

Toughest Group

Ghana will return to the World Cup stage in 2026, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, continuing a recent history that has seen the Black Stars become a regular presence on football’s biggest stage since their debut in 2006.

They have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama—a group widely viewed as one of the most demanding in the tournament.

Ghana begins their campaign against Panama in Toronto, before facing England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia, a schedule that will test both squad depth and consistency across three high-profile venues.

Queiroz has included nine forwards in his squad, but only two reached double figures in club football during the 2025–26 season, underlining long-standing concerns over Ghana’s attacking efficiency.

Antoine Semenyo remains the standout performer after a prolific season, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists, establishing himself as Ghana’s leading attacking threat.

Brandon Thomas-Asante added 13 goals in the Championship, while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku contributed 9 goals and 8 assists for Leicester City, offering creativity from wide areas.

However, returns from several established internationals, including Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams, were comparatively modest, reinforcing a broader issue of shared responsibility rather than a consistent goalscorer.

The omission of Joseph Paintsil, who impressed in Major League Soccer earlier this season, has also drawn attention, reflecting the competitive but inconsistent nature of Ghana’s forward options.

A Crucial Friendly

The meeting with Wales in Cardiff on 2 June is expected to provide an early indication of Ghana’s attacking structure without Kudus, and whether alternative combinations can deliver against higher-ranked opposition.

For Queiroz, the challenge extends beyond chance creation to efficiency in front of goal, particularly against elite defensive sides at the World Cup.

Meanwhile, FIFA has confirmed Bryant University in Boston as Ghana’s official team base camp for the tournament. The facility will serve as the Black Stars’ training and recovery hub throughout the group stage.

Ghana’s matches will take place in Toronto, Boston and Philadelphia, with the base location expected to ease travel demands—particularly ahead of their second group fixture against England in Boston.

As Ghana returns to the global stage, a familiar questions lingers: the team’s promising talent across the squad, but uncertainty over consistent attacking output at the highest level.

With Kudus’ fitness still unresolved and no clear focal point in attack, the Wales friendly is set to offer an early test of whether Queiroz can find the balance required to compete in a demanding Group L.

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned CAF Champions League champions after a dramatic and tightly contested final against Moroccan side AS FAR, sealing a 2–1 aggregate victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

It is Sundown’s second continental title, adding to their triumph in 2016, and confirming their status among Africa’s elite clubs.

AS FAR initially sparked hopes of a comeback when Mohamed Rabie Hrimat converted a first-half penalty after a foul inside the area, sending the home crowd into celebration and briefly levelling the tie-on aggregate.

However, Sundowns responded at a crucial moment just before half-time, with Teboho Mokoena striking in stoppage time (45+7’) to restore their advantage.

The second half was played at high intensity, with AS FAR committing players forward in search of another breakthrough.

Sundowns, however, showed resilience and organisation, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and their defensive unit holding firm under sustained pressure.

As the game opened up late on, Sundowns took advantage of the space left behind to settle the contest and secure the title.

Prize Money and Club Gesture

The victory also earns Sundowns a record $6 million winners’ prize from the Confederation of African Football.

In a notable decision, the club confirmed that the entire prize will be distributed among players and technical staff as bonuses, a move reflecting what they describe as a strong collective culture within the squad.

The CAF Champions League is the continent’s premier club tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football.

Established in 1964 as the African Cup of Champions Clubs, it was rebranded in 1997. The competition brings together domestic champions from across Africa, culminating in a final to determine the continent’s top club.

In recent years, the tournament has grown in financial value and global significance, with winners now qualifying for international competitions including the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Wasted Opportunities

For AS FAR, it is a painful defeat in front of their home supporters, extending their wait for a second continental crown since their only title in 1985.

Their performance, however, was marked by determination and attacking intent, particularly during a sustained second-half push that ultimately went unrewarded.

The Moroccan side are now left to rue their many wasted opportunities.

Meanwhile, for Sundowns, the victory underlines their consistency at the highest level of African club football and adds another chapter to their modern success story.

In a final decided by moments, they once again found the composure required—and left Rabat as champions of Africa.