World Cup 2026: Global Moroccan Wave Surrounds Brazil-Morocco Clash

Rabat – The Brazil-Morocco clash on June 13 did not go unnoticed, attracting 250 million viewers worldwide. For this occasion, several cities with large Moroccan communities in Europe and North America set up giant screens to cover the show. What was probably one of the standout games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup debut turned into a global gathering for the Moroccan diaspora.

Paris turns red and green

In the heart of Paris, the Grand Rex, an iconic cinema and entertainment venue, was fully dedicated to the match, a major event in France for a game not involving the French national team, symbolizing the scale of the Moroccan community’s presence. The mood was electric there: chants, flags and “dakka marrakchia” (traditional, high-energy Moroccan music and folk ritual originating from Marrakech) energized the crowd long before kick-off. The 1-1 final result made the supporters proud and satisfied, applauding the players. Morocco’s next group stage fixtures are also scheduled by Nota Production, the event organizer.

 Night of celebration in Brussels

In neighboring Belgium, fervor was just as strong. Cafés and public spaces were packed with Atlas Lions fans in Brussels, the capital of the foreign country with the highest proportion of Moroccans in its population. Despite the late hour, the streets remained lively well past midnight, and Ismael Saibari’s goal was celebrated with cheers, applause, and youyous.

Amsterdam joins the celebration

In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a giant screen was set up at the Meervart Theater, welcoming members of the city’s large Moroccan community. Usually hosting cultural events such as theater performances and concerts, the establishment was transformed for the occasion into a football gathering point. The atmosphere was warm and festive throughout the evening, with hundreds of supporters filling the hall, which can accommodate up to 800 people, to cheer on the Atlas Lions together.

From Orlando to New York

In the US, one of the 2026 World Cup host countries, where all of Morocco’s group stage matches will be played, the Moroccan diaspora showed their passion as well. In Orlando, Florida, home to one of the largest Moroccan communities in the country, the official fan zone was filled with Atlas Lions supporters. Gatherings were also reported in Washington and Boston, reflecting the nationwide enthusiasm surrounding the match. 

The climax of the excitement, however, was undoubtedly in New York. Times Square was totally flooded by Moroccan supporters, joined by their Brazilian counterparts. To support and express their admiration for the national team, Moroccan fans traveled from across the US and even from abroad to show their support and express their passion for the national team. The Moroccan American rapper and producer French Montana marked the celebration with his presence in the iconic Manhattan landmark.

All these celebrations surrounding the Morocco-Brazil match reflect the Moroccan people’s overflowing passion for football and, more broadly, the country’s growing soft power through sport and its diaspora, which acts as a true extension of national identity beyond borders. Since the 2022 FIFA World Cup, football has become a genuine bridge between Morocco and the rest of the world, driven by the national team’s performances and growing state investment.