France vs. Morocco: The political side of the World Cup quarter-finals

Meriem Zahraoui smiles and takes a short break. “Of course I follow my heart.” The 47-year-old came to Paris from Marrakech in her early 20s to study. Afterwards she found a job, got married and had a child. But the strong connection to her family and the country in which she grew up remained. Even though she rarely flies there and only speaks French and hardly any Arabic in everyday life. “I’m rooting for Morocco with all my heart – but if Les Bleus win, I want them to win the World Cup.”

Many people with Moroccan roots in France see it similarly. Their number is estimated at 1.5 to two million, including the children and grandchildren of immigrants born there. That’s why Thursday’s quarterfinal game is about much more than football. Due to the shared history, the large Moroccan diaspora in France and the many players with connections to both countries, the match also has a historical and social dimension. And it is emotionally charged.

Protectorate and colony

Different from the neighboring one Algeria Morocco was never one French colonybut from 1912 to 1956 French protectorate. The sultan formally remained in office during this time, but political, economic and military power largely rested with the central power in Paris. The north of the country was again under Spanish protectorate. To this day, French is an important language in business, administration and universities. France is one of Morocco’s most important trading partners and investors.

Complicated relationship

But as in all countries on the African continent that were at times dominated by the former protecting or colonial power, the relationship is complicated and sometimes characterized by resentment. The memories of the violence and unequal treatment experienced during the protectorate period are still alive. Many Moroccans expect a critical review of the issue colonial history. But this has remained incomplete.

It has also happened again and again in recent years diplomatic tensions on the question of repatriations. Paris wanted more Deportations enforce, but Morocco was not always cooperative. In 2021, France decided to sharply reduce the number of visas issued by up to 50 percent as a highly controversial means of pressure. The relationship has improved since President Emmanuel Macron 2024 explicitly supported the Moroccan autonomy plan on the issue of Western Sahara, which increased tensions with Algeria. Both neighboring countries are in a dispute over the area.

French native

In current Moroccan World Cup squad are six players born in Franceincluding rising stars like Ayyoub Bouaddi and Eliesse Ben Seghir. captain Ashraf Hakimione of the stars of the French capital club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), grew up in Madrid as the son of Moroccan parents.

The French national team currently does not have any players with roots in Morocco, but rather in the Maghreb or North Africa. This is where Captain’s parents come from Kylian Mbappé from Algeria and Cameroon.

Before, during and after the match there will be events not only on site in Boston, but also A comprehensive security presence in Paris used to prevent possible riots. Several fan zones are also loud Burgermeister Emmanuel Grégoire in preparation.

Already at Semifinals 2022 in Qatar the two national teams met. At that time, Morocco was the first African team ever to reach the World Cup semi-finals. France won the game 2-0, advanced to the final, but then lost Argentina.