ROME (ITALPRESS) – One week before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Morocco has reached the highest FIFA ranking in its history, climbing to seventh place in the world rankings.

The Atlas Lions, led by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, have moved up one position from the last official FIFA rankings, in which they were ranked eighth in the world. Morocco remains the highest-ranked African and Arab national team.

The rise has been fueled by a series of positive results, including a 4–0 victory over Madagascar in their most recent World Cup warm-up friendly.

The achievement marks an unprecedented milestone for Moroccan football, which has continued its ascent on the international stage following its historic run to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco will head into the 2026 World Cup buoyed by this accomplishment and determined to reinforce its status among the elite teams in world football.

Drawn in Group C, the Atlas Lions will face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in the tournament’s group stage.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Manchester City has distanced itself from the statements of Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, Florentino Perez’s challenger, who mentioned Erling Haaland as a possible signing if he victs the elections.

According to Marca, the English club has categorically denied the possibility of a sale of the Norwegian striker. “The reports coming from Spain about Erling Haaland’s future are false. There is no possibility of this happening and there is no contractual clause that allows it,” an authorized City source reportedly told the Spanish newspaper. Also according to Marca, the English champions are also considering possible legal action for the use of the player’s image in the context of the Real Madrid presidential election campaign.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – José Mourinho has reportedly distanced himself from the video released by Florentino Pérez’s election campaign for the presidency of Real Madrid, in which the Portuguese coach appears in a Real Madrid jersey, announcing his return to the Madrid bench should he win the election.

Portuguese newspaper Record reports that Mourinho has informed Benfica that he never recorded the video and that the content was created using artificial intelligence tools. In the video, released by Pérez’s candidacy, the coach appears in a Real Madrid jersey and says a simple “Yes,” interpreted as approval for a possible return to the helm of the Blancos. Record also reports that Real Madrid has formally notified Benfica of its intention to pay the €15 million clause to release Mourinho from his contract with the Portuguese club until June 2027. The payment is expected next week.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – “Kylian is in dazzling form.” Didier Deschamps has no doubts and reassured France about the physical and mental condition of the Real Madrid star. The coach of the World Cup runners-up, on the eve of the friendly in Nantes against the Ivory Coast, an African national team that is in Group E with Germany, Curaçao, and Ecuador.

“He’s doing well physically and mentally. He’s our captain, we talk a lot, and he talks to his teammates,” explains the former Juventus player and coach. “We need to leave the clubs behind us; now there’s only the national team, and he’s training hard here. He has great experience and is playing his third World Cup. I see him doing very well.”

France will debut on June 16 against Senegal, in the first matchday of Group I, then on the 22nd the match against Iraq, and finally, on the 26th the final match of the group against Norway. “I’m not thinking about the third match obviously, I’m thinking about the first one against Senegal and then I’ll think about the second one – says Deschamps -. I already have the lineup for the debut in mind, but now the starters are no longer 11, but 13, 14 if not more. In tomorrow’s friendly I will try to have as many players as possible”.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TEHRAN (IRAN) (ITALPRESS) – An important step forward for the Iran World Cup. The Federation has received entry visas for Mexico, the host country of the national team’s training camp. The national team will establish its headquarters in Tijuana (and not in Tucson in the United States as established by FIFA), since authorizations to enter the United States have not yet arrived.

Currently in Turkey, Team Melli is in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand and, according to the FIFA calendar, must play their group stage matches in the United States. The first two are in Los Angeles: against New Zealand on June 16 (at 3:00 a.m.) and against Belgium on the 21st, and the last match in Seattle against Egypt on the 27th (at 5:00 a.m.). However, entry visas for the United States have not yet been obtained. Iran, after Thursday’s friendly match in Antalya against Mali, will fly to Spain on Saturday and on Sunday will travel to Mexico.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SAN DONATO MILANESE (ITALPRESS) – Saipem has successfully completed the lifting operations of the gas recovery module for the Bouri Gas Utilization Project (BGUP), offshore Libya, using its flagship Saipem 7000, one of the largest crane vessels in the world.

The module, built on behalf of Saipem, EPCI main contractor for the Bouri project, by Rosetti Marino at the Marina di Ravenna shipyard, represents a key component of the system. In early May, the module left the shipyard to be transported to the Bouri field, located approximately 170 kilometers off the Libyan coast.

Weighing more than 5,200 tons, with plan dimensions of 45 meters by 31 meters and a height of approximately 45 meters, the module, built in approximately two years, integrates advanced gas treatment systems and was installed on the existing offshore platform of the Bouri field, contributing to the construction of the new infrastructure envisaged by the project.

“The lifting of the module,” a statement reads, “represents a significant milestone in the project’s execution phase, confirming Saipem’s ability to manage complex operations with advanced engineering planning and the use of heavy-lift solutions, while adhering to the highest safety and reliability standards.”

Following completion of the lifting operations, the offshore activities envisaged in Saipem’s scope of work, executed by Rosetti Marino, will continue. These activities include the integration of the module onto the existing DP4 platform, as well as the hook-up and commissioning of the system and its communication, safety, and control systems. Furthermore, the pre-commissioning of approximately 28 kilometers of subsea pipelines, already laid, is planned. These pipelines will connect the DP3, DP4, and Sabratha platforms and will allow the transportation of recovered gas to the Mellitah treatment complex.

The Bouri Gas Utilization Project, developed by Mellitah Oil & Gas (a joint venture between Eni and NOC), aims to recover associated gas currently subject to flaring—the controlled combustion of excess gas that produces the typical visible flame in refineries or wells—and channel it to the Mellitah complex for use or export. Reducing flaring will prevent gas from being burned into the atmosphere, significantly contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions (1.5 Mt eq/year reduction). Furthermore, the initiative will increase net gas production to approximately 2 million cubic meters per day, improving the efficiency of existing infrastructure.

– photo Saipem –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Spain is looking to the World Cup with confidence, but also with particular attention to the condition of Lamine Yamal. Coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that the young talent will not be available for tomorrow’s friendly against Iraq, while leaving the door open for a recovery ahead of the debut on June 15th. “Neither Lamine (Yamal), Nico (Williams), nor Víctor (Garcia) will play tomorrow,” explained the Spanish national team coach. “We are confident that Lamine will be ready for June 15th. If everything continues to go well, he could be available, but this does not automatically guarantee that he will play. We will evaluate the situation on a case-by-case basis.” De la Fuente’s words confirm the coaching staff’s caution regarding the jewel of Spanish football, considered a key player for the national team’s ambitions. The coach expressed his satisfaction with the work done so far by the team, emphasizing that all the injured players are respecting the expected recovery times. “The players’ response is improving every day, and the good news is that everyone can arrive in good condition,” he stated.

Looking at Spain’s prospects, De la Fuente was open about it. “It will be a historic World Cup because there are many teams capable of winning it: France, England, Argentina, Brazil, Morocco, Portugal, Senegal, and of course Spain. It will be very difficult, but we feel capable of competing to the end.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Commission is expected to recommend the closure of Malta’s excessive deficit procedure on Wednesday after the country successfully reduced its budget deficit below the EU’s 3% threshold.

Malta was placed under the procedure in 2024 when its deficit stood at 4.9% of gross domestic product, exceeding limits set by EU fiscal rules. The country was among seven EU member states facing disciplinary action over excessive deficits.

According to reports, Malta will be the only country removed from the procedure. The recommendation still requires approval by the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) at its July meeting, although officials expect the decision to be formally endorsed.

The development follows a stronger-than-expected improvement in Malta’s public finances. In April, then-finance minister Clyde Caruana announced that the deficit had fallen to 2.2% in 2025, well below the EU ceiling and the first time it has done so since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Malta’s deficit peaked at 8.7% in 2020 as the government introduced support measures to cushion the economic impact of the pandemic. In subsequent years, spending on energy subsidies and anti-inflation measures continued to weigh on public finances.

The European Commission’s latest forecasts indicate that Malta’s deficit will remain below the EU limit, easing slightly to 2.1% by 2027. Government projections suggest the country could achieve a balanced budget by 2029 or 2030.

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – David Beckham is set to become a Hollywood-style star. The former footballer will join the exclusive group of celebrities honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.

“Beckham’s role in the rise of soccer’s popularity in the United States, along with his lasting influence on sports, entertainment, and global culture, makes this tribute especially meaningful,” said Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame star ceremonies, in an official statement.

The ceremony will take place on June 12, just hours before the United States opens its World Cup campaign against Paraguay, a match that will be played in Los Angeles County.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) –  “On Thursday I will announce Real Madrid’s first major signing.” This was stated in an interview with El Español by Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid and candidate in the club elections scheduled for June 7, where he is seeking re-election against Enrique Riquelme.

According to Marca, Real Madrid has already reached an agreement with Denzel Dumfries and is prepared to activate the €20 million release clause included in the Dutch defender’s contract with Inter Milan.

Another player on Pérez’s radar, according to the Spanish newspaper, is Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract with Liverpool is nearing its expiration.

“I have always generated excitement throughout my 23 years as president. Those who know me are aware that the best players will be at Real Madrid and that we will win the Champions League,” added the president of the 15-time European champions.

There is still no official confirmation regarding José Mourinho’s return as Real Madrid manager. Pérez limited himself to saying: “I will soon announce who the new coach will be.”

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews