Morocco Defeats United Arab Emirates To Reach Arab Cup Final

Morocco advanced to the Arab Cup final after defeating the United Arab Emirates, with Karim El Berkaoui scoring an unstoppable header in the 28th minute to make it 1-0.

“Arab Cup: Algeria's latest big disappointment sparks chatter”

Foot Mercato

The match remained tight until Morocco broke away in the final 15 minutes, adding a second goal through Ashraf El Mahdioui in the 84th minute before Abderazak Hamdallah scored in stoppage time at 90+2.

Foot Mercato

L'Équipe described the Atlas Lions as escaping the Emiratis’ trap, noting that Tarik Sektioui’s side endured a strong spell and hit the woodwork through Caio Lucas (48th) and Bruno (52nd).

Morocco’s win set up a final against the winner of the other semifinal between Saudi Arabia and Jordan on December 18, with Morocco aiming for a second Arab Cup title after the 2012 triumph.

In the same tournament, Le Matin later framed Morocco’s Arab Cup win as a 3-2 final against Jordan after extra time, highlighted by Oussama Tannane’s opening goal from more than 50 meters in the 4th minute.

At the 2026 World Cup, The National described how Arabic commentary can turn matches into a shared emotional experience, including Issam Chaouali addressing Ellyes Skhiri during Tunisia’s 5-1 defeat by Sweden in Mexico.

The National quoted Chaouali urging, “Shoot the ball,” and adding, “Ben Slimane, you normally shoot from there. Take the shot.”

L'Équipe

The Guardian similarly portrayed Arab World Cup announcers as fueling fans’ passions, quoting Omani BeIN Sports announcer Amer al-Khudhiri shouting “Allllllllaaaaaaah!!!!” as Cristiano Ronaldo scored against Uzbekistan.

In the same piece, Hazar al-Kilani, a public relations manager based in Doha, said the commentary “somehow stretches time,” turning a two-second sequence into “a full paragraph.”

The National also tied the style to specific voices and moments, quoting Ali Mohamed Ali after Mostafa Shobeir’s save: “Shobeir, you lion,” he cried. “You lion! A very dangerous ball. Look at it again.”

As the 2026 World Cup continues, Egypt is preparing to play Iran in the third and final group-stage match, with the match held at Lumen Field in Seattle, United States, in Group 7.

“Morocco won the Arab Cup after a suspenseful final against Jordan (3-2 after extra time), highlighted by a goal from more than 50 meters, Thursday in Lusail, Qatar, three days before the Africa Cup of Nations begins on home soil”

Le Matin

بوابة دار الهلال said Egypt currently leads its World Cup group with 4 points after drawing Belgium 1-1 in the opening round and then beating New Zealand 3-1 in the second round.

The same source set the kickoff for Egypt vs Iran for this coming Saturday, June 27, at 6:00 a.m. Cairo/Makkah time, and said the match is broadcast live via beIN Sports on beIN SPORTS MAX 1.

It also named Ali Mohammed Ali as the sports commentator for the match on beIN SPORTS MAX 1.

Separately, The National said the World Cup is running until July 19 across the US, Canada and Mexico and is streamed regionally on Tod by beIN, placing the commentary culture alongside the tournament schedule.