Overview
- Morocco lost 2-0 to France in Boston on Friday, ending their run at the World Cup quarterfinal stage while coach Mohamed Wahbi said the defeat fits a longer-term development project and praised his players.
- Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou enhanced his tournament reputation by saving a Kylian Mbappé penalty during the match, extending his record of World Cup penalty saves and underlining his personal standing despite the team's exit.
- Former referee Abdullah Al-Ajil publicly defended the match officiating by Argentine referee Facundo Tello, saying the key decisions and the VAR review were correct, even as media and federations continue to debate several calls.
- The Argentine Football Association confirmed a cyber intrusion traced to Egyptian hackers after Argentina's earlier 3-2 win over Egypt, saying the attack targeted its systems and prompted a security investigation and warnings to partners.
- Egypt's government and private sponsor Al Habtoor Group honored the national team this weekend with state awards and vehicle gifts, reflecting the domestic prestige and political attention the tournament has generated for Arab teams.