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Dalić Linked With UAE, Morocco Face France And UAE Cycling Opens New Pathway
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July 09, 2026
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From a major UAE coaching link to Morocco’s World Cup quarter-final and the growth of Emirati cycling, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. Zlatko Dalić has stepped down as Croatia coach and is now being linked with the UAE national team, Morocco are preparing for a huge France rematch in the World Cup quarter-finals, and UAE Team Emirates-XRG are helping open new pathways for young cyclists across the country.
Morocco Face France In World Cup Quarter-Final Rematch
What Is It About
Morocco will face France in the World Cup quarter-finals tonight in Boston, setting up a knockout-stage rematch from the 2022 tournament. The Atlas Lions reached the last eight after beating co-hosts Canada 3-0, while France advanced with a 1-0 win over Paraguay.
Why It Matters
Morocco are chasing another historic run after becoming the first Arab and African nation to finish fourth at a World Cup in 2022. Under new coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the team are unbeaten in 10 matches and have already beaten Scotland, Haiti, the Netherlands and Canada at this tournament.
What’s Next
A major question is Ismael Saibari’s fitness after his hamstring strain against Canada. If he misses out, Al Ain striker Soufiane Rahimi could step in after scoring against Canada and impressing off the bench. The winner will move one step closer to the World Cup semi-finals.
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UAE Team Emirates-XRG Opens Pathway For Young Cyclists
What Is It About
UAE Team Emirates-XRG are making an impact beyond the Tour de France by helping inspire a new generation of cyclists in the UAE. Sporting director Yousif Mirza, the first Emirati to race for a UCI WorldTeam, says cycling in the country has grown from “just a sport” into a lifestyle.
Why It Matters
The UAE now has a growing cycling culture, supported by tracks like Al Qudra in Dubai and Hudayriyat in Abu Dhabi. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG Academy has reached more than 15,000 children across 40 schools, while more than 50 kids’ races have been organised in the past six months.
What’s Next
The goal is to create a stronger pathway for Emirati riders to reach the professional level. Emerging cyclist Abdulla Jasim Al Ali is already being seen as one example of that progress, with Mirza saying it is only a matter of time before more UAE riders reach the UCI WorldTour.
Dalić Linked With UAE Job After Croatia Exit
What Is It About
Zlatko Dalić has stepped down as Croatia head coach after nine years in charge, ending the most successful era in the country’s football history. He led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, third place at the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 UEFA Nations League final.
Why It Matters
His name is now being linked with the UAE national team, with Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti reporting a UAE offer worth around €5 million per year. Dalić already has a strong UAE connection, having previously managed Al Ain and led the club to the 2016 AFC Champions League final.
What’s Next
The UAE national team is currently coached by Cosmin Olăroiu, but Dalić’s Croatia exit has brought attention to a possible return to UAE football. For now, it remains a reported link, but his Al Ain history makes the story especially relevant locally.
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