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For thousands of Moroccans living in France, the Morocco-France quarter-final at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is far more than a football match; it is an emotionally charged encounter. Torn between their attachment to their country of residence and their pride in their homeland, representatives of Moroccan associations say supporting the Atlas Lions is in no way incompatible with respecting France, calling for sportsmanship to prevail regardless of the result.
Jamal Boussif, a French community activist of Moroccan origin, believes these mixed emotions are shared by many within the Moroccan community in France.
«We have dual nationality, and our country of residence has given us many opportunities, whether in work or in building our lives. Our children were born here, and our entire lives are in France, but our longing for home and our bond with Morocco remain very strong».
He said that attachment to Morocco remains deeply rooted among members of the community and has naturally been passed on to younger generations, who proudly wave the Moroccan flag and wear the national team's jersey in the streets.
Boussif lives in Strasbourg, where he heads the Strasbourg Pluriel association, founded in 2014 to promote diversity and coexistence among people of different backgrounds, religions and cultures. He noted that the city has a special connection with the Moroccan national team, as several Atlas Lions hail from Strasbourg, including Samy El Mourabet and Gessime Yassine, making the match even more meaningful for the local Moroccan community.
«Years of coexistence within French society should be reflected on occasions like this. Sportsmanship must prevail regardless of the result, both among French citizens and among French people of Moroccan origin».
Despite his enthusiasm for the Atlas Lions, Boussif urged Moroccans in France to celebrate responsibly. «I urge everyone to celebrate calmly and respectfully, to respect the law and not be drawn into disorder. France has never prevented us from celebrating or expressing our love for our homeland, and it is our duty to respond with decency and responsibility».
A fan zone with a Moroccan atmosphere
For her part, Fatine El Bouni, president of the Plaisir de Partage association and founder of the Aswak Fès by Fatine project in the Paris region, said the Morocco-France clash is unlike any other for the Moroccan community.
«This match has a special flavor. Morocco is the country of the heart, while France is the country where we live. That is why I decided to organize the first dedicated fan zone. I chose Épinay-sur-Seine because it is an area that is often overlooked, while most events take place in central Paris», she told Yabiladi.
She said the initiative has generated strong interest, with around 180 people already registered. «We have great confidence in the Moroccan public, which has shown respect and a strong sense of responsibility during previous celebrations».
Although she will be cheering for Morocco, El Bouni said her priority is for the occasion to remain peaceful. «If Morocco wins, the joy will be immense. Above all, I hope the celebrations take place safely, that sportsmanship prevails and that we show respect for our second country».
On Thursday, July 9, the Plaisir de Partage association, in partnership with Aswak Fès by Fatine, will host a dedicated fan zone in Épinay-sur-Seine where supporters can watch the Morocco-France match on a giant screen. The event will feature a distinctly Moroccan atmosphere, with traditional food, barbecues, entertainment and Dakka Marrakchia performances, bringing together members of the Moroccan community to celebrate both the national team and their shared cultural heritage.
