Morocco
Morocco’s new coach, Walid Regragui, will be counting on winger Hakim Ziyech as the team faces 2018 finalists, Croatia, in its opening World Cup match on Wednesday.
Known by his nickname, The Wizard, the Chelsea player is back in the national team one year after leaving international football because of a long-standing feud with the previous coach.
Ziyech looked relaxed in training on Tuesday as he prepared to play his first competitive match since returning to the squad.
Last week he scored an incredible goal from inside his own half as Morocco beat Georgia 3-0 in their final warm-up friendly.
The Atlas Lions will meet European heavyweights, Belgium, just four days after their Croatia match. Their final Group F clash will be against Canada on 1 December.
01:03
Body of second missing US soldier recovered in Morocco
Go to video
Cannes Film Festival to showcase three African films in official selection
00:12
Rape trial of Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred opens in southern France
02:37
Amputee football empowers Rwandan women on and off the pitch
10:00
Senegal: Tensions within the government [Africanews Today]
Go to video
Extreme heat could pose threat to players and fans at 2026 FIFA World Cup