AGP Executive Report

World Cup Kickoff: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts June 11 with Mexico vs South Africa in Mexico City, expanding to 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities. Morocco at the Tournament: Morocco heads in with heavy expectation after a historic 2022 run to the semis, but pressure and squad changes could weigh on the Atlas Lions. Morocco in the Spotlight Abroad: A Boston-area local group says visa and travel barriers are sidelining some fans, including Moroccans, raising calls for fair access. Water & Infrastructure: ONEE signed a €250m financing programme with the EBRD to modernize Morocco’s drinking-water production, including energy-efficiency upgrades. Circular Economy: A World Bank/IFC study says recycling textile waste in Morocco is viable, potentially attracting $1.9bn in private investment and creating 30,000+ jobs. OCP Financing: OCP plans to raise up to $540m via a subordinated perpetual bond to fund its next phase of industrial, energy and water-security transformation. Diplomacy via Faith: Morocco’s religious diplomacy featured in Niger, highlighting the Commandership of the Faithful as a model for stability and moderation. Elections Prep: Morocco’s interior ministry urged voters to register by June 13 ahead of September 23 legislative elections.

World Cup Kickoff: The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially starts June 11 across the US, Mexico and Canada, with the final set for July 19 in New Jersey—plus FIFA is leaning hard into celebrity spectacle, from Madonna/Shakira/BTS at the final to major opening performances. Morocco in the Spotlight: Morocco is heading into its campaign with fresh expectations after injuries in warm-up coverage and a growing profile on and off the pitch. Marhaba 2026: Under King Mohammed VI’s instructions, the Foundation Mohammed V for Solidarity launches the “Marhaba” welcome operation June 10, with 26 reception sites in Morocco and Europe to support Moroccans abroad. Energy Push: Morocco plans to invest about $16bn over five years to add 16 GW of renewable capacity, aiming to push renewables above 45% of the energy mix. Industry & Trade: Morocco’s China ties get a boost via a Casablanca session of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, framed around China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries. Security & Crime: A report warns general cargo ships are increasingly used to move cocaine into Europe, with Morocco and the Canary Islands appearing in trafficking routes.

Renewables Push: Morocco plans to invest about $16bn over five years to add roughly 16 GW of solar and wind capacity, pushing renewables to over 45% of the energy mix, with reforms for self-consumption and microgrids. World Cup Odds & Morocco Spotlight: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears, betting markets list Spain, France, England, Brazil and Portugal among top favorites, while Morocco is also flagged as a contender in the odds. Energy & Diplomacy: At an IAEA governors session tied to the attack on a UAE nuclear plant, Venezuela reiterated that armed threats to peaceful nuclear facilities violate international law—an issue involving Morocco among the conveners. Sports Logistics: Morocco’s World Cup presence also shows up in broader coverage, from match schedules to pre-tournament preparations, as fans gear up for the tournament across the US, Canada and Mexico.

World Cup Countdown: With the 2026 tournament 48 hours away, Morocco is spotlighted as Africa’s top story after its 2022 semi-final run, with coverage focusing on Group C matchups (Brazil, Scotland, Haiti) and Morocco’s push to go further. Economy & Markets: Morocco strengthened its financial profile, ranking third globally in the S&P Dow Jones Frontier BMI with a 7.8% weighting, while new national accounts show GDP growth of 4.9% in 2025 driven by a rebound in agriculture and resilient domestic demand. Energy Transition: Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali outlined Morocco’s clean-energy strategy at a youth forum in Lausanne, stressing innovation, skills, and industrial sovereignty. Diplomacy & UN Role: Morocco’s diplomatic edge for the Sahara issue is expected to get a boost from the UN Security Council’s 2027-2028 composition, and Rabat also hosted a review of its long-running peacekeeping contribution. Trade & Investment: A China-Africa trade expo in Casablanca is set to deepen China-Morocco ties under zero-tariff policy, with bilateral trade rising to $10.96bn in 2025.

World Cup build-up (Morocco): Morocco’s World Cup warm-up injuries are a worry for coach Mohamed Ouahbi, with Noussair Mazraoui expected to miss about a week after a shoulder issue, while Abde Ezzalzouli faces a longer knee layoff after ligament damage—both picked up in the Morocco-Norway friendly ahead of the Atlas Lions’ opener vs Brazil on June 13. Sahara diplomacy: UN envoy Staffan de Mistura has begun fresh consultations in the Tindouf camps, aiming to feed into his next UN Security Council briefing and help restart a political process under Resolution 2797. Morocco in global finance: Two Moroccan banks and three directors have reached an extended settlement in a Brussels case tied to alleged illegal banking and credit activities, avoiding a conviction with a €175.2m payment. Trade & forced labor (US): The US USTR has proposed new Section 301 tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 economies over forced-labor enforcement failures, with comments due July 6 and a July 7 hearing. Football business (North America): FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani says the World Cup in North America could spark a “cultural revolution” and boost MLS to rival top leagues.

Morocco Tourism Boom: Morocco welcomed 7.7 million tourists in the first five months of 2026, up 7% year-on-year, with May alone bringing nearly 1.7 million visitors (+13%), as the sector keeps riding investments in airports, ports, transport and hotel capacity. OCP Financing Push: OCP is preparing a up-to 5 billion dirham (about $540m) subordinated perpetual bond issue to fund its next phase of industrial, energy and water transformation, including boosting plant nutrition output to 19 million tonnes by 2027. World Cup Spotlight (Morocco): Morocco’s World Cup preparations continue with a Norway friendly ending 1-1, and an injury scare for Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui after he was forced off early. Education & AI: Morocco is debating how to integrate AI into schools, with experts arguing the real goal should be fixing gaps between learning and real-world skills, not just tackling plagiarism. Labour Rights Abroad: A Moroccan farmworkers’ union in Spain is calling for stronger protections after a reported heatstroke death of a Moroccan seasonal worker in Huelva’s strawberry fields. EV Expansion: XPENG has launched operations in Morocco and Tunisia, building a North Africa “triangle” and opening a major North Africa sales and service center.

Morocco Football Buzz: Morocco’s Atlas Lions drew 1-1 with Norway in a World Cup warm-up in New Jersey as Brahim Díaz scored early and Martin Ødegaard equalized, setting the tone for Morocco’s Group C opener against Brazil. World Cup Group C Focus: With Morocco targeting another deep run, the friendly also underlined their form ahead of matches versus Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. Air Connectivity: Royal Air Maroc launched a new non-stop Casablanca–Los Angeles route, running three times a week and cutting travel time for the Moroccan diaspora and business travelers. Tourism Momentum: Morocco welcomed 7.7 million tourists in the first five months of 2026, up 7%, with May arrivals rising 13% year-on-year. Local Markets: Fruit and vegetable prices in Morocco eased after Eid al-Adha as supply in Casablanca’s wholesale markets outpaced demand. Public Safety: Moroccan authorities arrested a man in Oujda area over a viral case allegedly involving alcohol given to a minor, with the suspect’s brother identified in the video. Sports Security Online: Police also detained a suspect accused of posting threats and content allegedly inciting sports violence linked to a supporters’ group in Oujda.

Shelter Afrique AGM in Rabat: The Pan-African housing finance lender will hold its 45th annual general meeting in Morocco on June 9-11, focusing on inclusive, green and resilient urban development. Morocco-EU farm trade: Morocco widened its agro-food surplus with the EU in early 2026 as EU exports to Morocco fell faster than Moroccan shipments to Europe. Industry row with Europe: Morocco’s industry minister rejected European claims that the kingdom is a backdoor for subsidized Chinese goods, citing different investment figures and pointing to Europe’s own Chinese production footprint. Business climate boost: Morocco topped Africa’s business destination rankings in the CIAN barometer, scoring 3.9/5 and ranking ahead of Mauritius, Uganda, Algeria and South Africa. World Cup preparations: Morocco’s Atlas Lions held a training session in New Jersey ahead of their final warm-up versus Norway, with the World Cup opener against Brazil set for June 13. Human rights diplomacy: The UN Human Rights Council president said Morocco is a “key player” in shaping the Universal Periodic Review, praising Rabat’s hosting of the UPR 5 retreat.

Atlas Lions World Cup prep: Morocco’s national team held a training session in New Jersey at The Pingry School as it fine-tunes tactics ahead of Sunday’s final warm-up against Norway at Red Bull Arena, with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. Moroccan time; the match is Morocco’s last test before Group C starts against Brazil (June 13), then Scotland (June 19) and Haiti (June 24). Security crackdown: Morocco’s BCIJ arrested a 31-year-old man in M’diq over alleged plans inspired by ISIS, including seeking know-how to make explosives and targeting people and sensitive sites. Controversy over Eid video: Moroccan authorities also arrested a controversial influencer after outrage over a video showing him cooking and eating a stray dog during Eid al-Adha; the animal protection group says the case will be prosecuted under the law. Urban overhaul in Casablanca: El País reports Morocco is demolishing thousands of homes in Casablanca and Rabat as redevelopment projects reshape historic districts, including the Royal Avenue plan. Labor rights spotlight: Morocco was ranked among countries criticized for restrictive strike rules and weakened collective bargaining rights in the ITUC Global Rights Index.

World Cup 2026 Countdown: FIFA’s biggest-ever tournament kicks off June 11 with 48 teams across three host nations and 16 cities, and Morocco is already in the mix as the Atlas Lions sit among Africa’s top-ranked sides heading into the opener. Morocco Football & 2030 Bid: Construction of Morocco’s Grand Stade Hassan II near Casablanca is accelerating fast, with the project reported around 30% complete and about 40% of tribunes finished, aiming for end-2027 completion. Morocco in Global Sports Spotlight: A UK outlet says Morocco’s “mindset has changed” after their 2022 run, while other coverage highlights Morocco’s World Cup group with Brazil, Haiti and Scotland. Trade & Infrastructure: EU-Morocco goods trade hit a record €62.2bn in 2025, and the Dakhla Atlantique port project has passed the 60% completion milestone as work ramps up toward 2028. Security & Diplomacy: NATO carried out maritime training with Royal Moroccan Navy ships off Casablanca, underscoring cooperation around the Strait of Gibraltar. Regional Energy Watch: Algeria has started construction on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a separate project from the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline. Health & Safety: FIFA banned refillable plastic bottles at World Cup matches, citing safety concerns. Local Crime: Moroccan prosecutors ordered an autopsy after an elderly man was found dead in Daroua near Berrechid, with a sub-Saharan migrant suspect detained.

World Cup Ticketing Fallout: FIFA says about 60 fans were mistakenly issued free World Cup 2026 tickets due to an online payment glitch, and they now have to pay within seven days or risk losing their seats. Morocco Sports Spotlight: Morocco’s World Cup squad debate is back in focus after reports that Youssef En-Nesyri was left out, raising questions about depth if key forwards are hit by injury or suspension. Brazil Injury Update: Neymar’s World Cup hopes hinge on an MRI on Monday after a grade two calf strain; Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says he could train with the squad next week if results are positive. Morocco Education Push: Université Privée de Fès (UPF) launched the American International Institute with Arizona State University and Cintana Education, offering U.S. double degrees and planning events in Fez and Rabat. Governance & Politics: Morocco’s ruling RNI unveiled legislative candidates for the Sept. 23 elections, highlighting a 36% renewal rate and a mix of new faces and experienced figures. Climate Action: World Environment Day 2026 marked renewed calls for urgent emissions cuts and faster adaptation as extreme heat risks intensify.

Morocco Digital Push: Morocco launched a “Digital Hub for Sustainable Development” in New York to speed up AI-led transformation across Africa and the Arab world, targeting health, education, climate resilience and governance. Trade Modernization: Morocco is also rolling out a unified digital portal for foreign trade procedures on 15 June, aiming to replace a patchwork of interfaces and cut repetitive paperwork for businesses. Tourism Outlook: Morocco may hit its 26 million visitors target by 2028, two years ahead of schedule, as arrivals and revenues keep growing faster than planned. Economy Watch: The EBRD expects Morocco’s growth to ease to 4.4% in 2026 and 4.0% in 2027, citing tourism and remittances that help offset a wider trade deficit. World Cup Link: Morocco’s Atlas Lions are preparing for the 2026 World Cup amid coaching turbulence and fallout from the AFCON final dispute with Senegal. Sports & Community: The U.S. Mission in Rabat hosted a sports diplomacy event with the Green Bay Packers and Morocco’s flag football team, promoting the student-athlete model.

Morocco-US Football Travel: Atlas Lions winger Zakaria El Ouahdi was removed from the plane minutes before departure to the United States, with reports pointing to unresolved visa issues and conflicting explanations as efforts reportedly continue to get him to join the squad. World Cup 2026 Logistics: FIFA’s latest stadium rules have sparked anger among Scotland fans after a reversal on reusable water bottles, forcing supporters to buy bottled water in hot-weather venues. Morocco in Climate Finance: The UN highlights Morocco’s Ouarzazate “NOOR” solar complex as a model for Africa’s clean-energy investment, urging countries to use climate plans to unlock green jobs and funding. Agriculture & Fertiliser Pressure: France moves to cut cadmium limits in fertilisers faster, spotlighting phosphate supply chains tied to Moroccan deposits. Sports & Talent: Morocco’s football spotlight also includes UW Madison hiring NFL executive Morocco Brown as general manager for its football program. Business & Investment: Africa Finance Corporation secured a record $2bn syndicated loan to scale infrastructure and industrial platforms across Africa.

Morocco World Cup Prep: The Atlas Lions left Rabat for the US for final preparations, but defender Zakaria El Ouahdi is absent amid conflicting reports about a US visa snag, while Ali Maamar traveled as a precaution. U.S. Trade Pressure: Washington proposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from Morocco and seven other African economies under forced-labour enforcement rules, with public comments due before a final decision. Local Justice: In Taounate, a man was sentenced to two years in prison for photographing women in a public souk without consent, with his phone confiscated. Public Safety/Community: In Ouazzane, two suspects were arrested over the alleged pregnancy of an underage sixth-grade pupil, prompting calls for tougher protection of minors. Sports Spotlight: Morocco’s World Cup run gets a boost in coverage as Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz headline previews ahead of the tournament. Agriculture Watch: Moroccan locust swarms are reported in eastern Iran, threatening crops and livelihoods.

Morocco-UK Trade Push: British Trade minister Chris Bryant met Morocco’s officials in Rabat with 50 UK businesses, aiming to double bilateral trade over 5–7 years and highlighting World Cup 2030-linked opportunities in transport, security, logistics, hospitality and infrastructure. EU Water Security: Morocco and the EU launched a €384m water program (3.7bn dirhams) to strengthen the National Water Plan, focusing on drought/flood management, groundwater protection and institutional capacity. Green Hydrogen Race: Rabat’s “Offre Maroc” framework targets up to one million hectares for hydrogen projects, betting on renewables, ports and EU demand—while competition and water risk loom. Forced-Labour Tariff Threat: The US proposed new Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour findings, naming Morocco among 8 African countries facing higher duties. World Cup Momentum: Morocco thrashed Madagascar 4-0 in a Rabat friendly as they fine-tune for Group C, including a World Cup opener vs Brazil. Regional Diplomacy: UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed met King Mohammed VI in Rabat, reaffirming cooperation and discussing regional security.

Morocco-UK Ties: Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met UK Minister of State for Business and Trade Chris Bryant in Rabat, with trade put at about £4.5bn and a goal to double it in 5–7 years, alongside plans to back major events including the 2030 World Cup. Diplomacy: France’s newly appointed ambassador Philippe Lalliot formally began his mission in Rabat after presenting credentials to Bourita. Football Build-Up: Morocco thrashed Madagascar 4-0 in a Rabat friendly as Mohamed Ouahbi rotated the squad and tested tactics ahead of the 2026 World Cup. World Cup Culture: Morocco’s fan chant identity is highlighted in a “Language of Soccer” feature, with the message “Always Morocco” and supporters acting as the “player No 12.” Industry Watch: A report flags EU concern over Chinese auto investment in Morocco, warning that supply chains may blur origin rules and complicate trade protections. Online Controversy: A Moroccan YouTuber faces outrage after an alleged cruelty video tied to Eid al-Adha sparked calls for a criminal investigation.