French PM: Morocco-France World Cup Match Showcased Unique Bilateral Bond

Rabat – French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has said the atmosphere surrounding Morocco and France’s meeting at the 2026 FIFA World Cup reflected the deep ties between the two countries, describing the match as a symbol of the friendship and mutual trust shared by both nations.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch during the 15th Morocco-France High-Level Meeting in Rabat on Thursday, Lecornu pointed to the scenes in the stands during the World Cup quarter-final as evidence of the close relationship between the Moroccan and French people.

Lecornu said he witnessed many supporters in Paris wearing the French national team’s shirt while waving Moroccan flags, while others wore Morocco’s jersey and carried French flags.

“These scenes reflected a unique friendship built on great respect and genuine trust between our two countries,” he said, adding that football had become a powerful illustration of the human ties linking Morocco and France.

A new chapter in bilateral relations

The French prime minister stressed it was an honor to visit Morocco for the 15th High-Level Meeting, describing the warm welcome he received in Rabat as another sign of the strong relationship between the two nations.

He noted that King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron had tasked both governments with implementing the commitments made during Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024, while also developing new joint initiatives under the countries’ “exceptional partnership.”

Lecornu also announced that Morocco and France are working on what would become France’s first bilateral treaty with a country outside the European Union, describing it as another milestone in the evolving partnership between Rabat and Paris.