The Morocco is poised to make an impression on the occasion of the first edition of the Kings World Cup Nationsan international tournament with 16 teams organized in Milan and Turin (Italy) by the sports company “Kings League” from the former FC Barcelona and La Roja defender: Gerard Piqué.
Taken off guard by the Colombia during its first appearance (4-1), the Moroccan team made up of Ilyas El Malki (president) and coached by Majid El Khal had regained momentum on Saturday by crushing theUkraine (9-2). The teammates of Zakaria Hadraf set the table again on Monday, overcoming the Japan with a score of 4-2. The former player of AS FAR and Raja de Casablanca, Issam Errakiunlocked the counter at the start of the match. The recovering midfielder cleared the last opposing defender before crossing an unstoppable ball in the 3rd minute. Approach Ellouah then doubled the lead in the 16th minute, taking advantage of an offering of Mehdi El Amri on the surface of Japan. The latter managed to reduce the score in the 20th minute, just before the break, but the nationals further widened the gap thanks to the same Nader Ellouah, who scored twice in the 21st minute. Fouad El Amrani brought the score to 4-1 in the 23rd minute, while Japan took advantage of a penalty in the 38th minute, converted by Kato (4-2).
This second victory for the Moroccan team allows it to win the ticket for the quarter-finals of the Kings World Cup Nations. In the next round, Erraki and company will have to overtake the United States of America, who beat Mexico in their first meeting (4-2) before dominating Uzbekistan (6-2). To beat the USA on Wednesday, the Moroccans will be able to count on their individuals who made the difference during the first round: spearhead Nader Ellouah, top scorer of the tournament with six goals and Fouad El Amrani, best passer of the tournament with 3 assists. The Moroccan selection is, moreover, the most prolific of the tournament, with 12 goals, tied with Brazil, ahead of Spain (11 goals) and Mexico (10 goals).
Gerard Piqué sees Morocco join Brazil in the final
Monday, after the end of the match against Japan, the tournament organizer admitted that the Morocco have established themselves as a team to fear in Italy. According to Gerard Piquéwho spoke to the Moroccan media having made the trip, the nationals could create a surprise and reach the final: “They are very good. I was pleasantly surprised when I followed them. They are now among the favorites to reach the final, alongside Brazil who in my opinion are the big favorites of the edition. Why not a final won in Torino, at the Juventus Arena, to cross swords with Brazil or Argentina?” The Moroccan coach Majid El Khalhe specified that the team had managed to win despite a hectic preparation: “We sent a message to the players by making them explain that we are playing for our flag. We encountered several obstacles during the preparation, which did not take place in ideal conditions… Players like Nahiri, Dirar and Bourkadi were not able to join us, while Mbarek Boussoufa was suspended without really knowing the reason. Despite all this, we showed a good state of mind and we managed to get this qualification. Our goal has now been achieved! I believe that this first participation of Morocco in Kings League is already honorable”.
Note that the audience for the first four match days recorded records according to the organizers, with a daily average of more than 10 million unique spectators to follow this 7-a-side football tournament, while fans accumulated more than 75 million views on social networks since the start of the competition.
-What is the Kings World Cup Nations
The Kings World Cup Nations is a competition played in a format similar to Futsal, except that the pitch is artificial turf. Teams start with a goalkeeper and a single player, adding a player every minute until reaching the ceiling (6 outfield players and a goalkeeper). The match is played in two halves of 20 minutes each.
Created in 2022 by Gerard Piqué, former FC Barcelona defender, the Kings League reinvents traditional football with a dynamic format and innovative rules.
Key points of the competition include:
- Seven-player matches, promoting speed and intensity.
- Shootouts inspired by hockey duels, adding spectacle in the event of a tie.
- Secret cards, offering surprising tactical advantages, such as a penalty shot or an extra player.
The Kings League is banking on digital platforms to maximize its impact. Matches are broadcast live, with real-time interaction between spectators and teams, a concept that particularly appeals to younger generations.
