Key Takeaways
- Six members of Morocco's squad were born in France.
- The Moroccan community in Boston is smaller but established, with a network of families and businesses.
- Boston Common hosted over 1,000 fans celebrating ahead of the match.
In a World Cup quarter-final clash on Thursday, France and Morocco will face off in Boston, where their post-colonial ties and family connections are expected to shape the atmosphere. The two countries have shared a complex history, with Morocco under French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, and ongoing cultural and sporting links.
The match takes on added significance as six members of Morocco's squad were born in France, while several others have played or passed through the Ligue 1 before choosing to represent their country. These overlapping identities highlight the dense sporting connections between the two nations, with Morocco leveraging its diaspora to strengthen its team.
Boston provides an intriguing setting for this rematch. The Moroccan community is smaller and less visible than in French cities but has established a network of families, students, professionals, and businesses in the wider metropolitan area. For many supporters, the game will not divide them; some even live in the same building as their French counterparts.
Mohammed Saadi, a 57-year-old taxi driver, expressed the sentiment: 'Some live in the same building and French and Moroccans will watch the game together and shake hands at the end. There is no tension here. Soccer is a family thing and France v Morocco will be no different. Quite the opposite, even.'
The build-up to the match saw over 1,000 fans gather in Boston Common on Wednesday evening, singing 'Dima l-Maghrib' (Always Morocco) and waving flags. Youssef Bennani, a 36-year-old software engineer from Finland, said: 'I’ve come all the way from Finland. I’ve been to all of Morocco’s games and here it’s the best place. I met a lot of Moroccans, also some French and it’s going to be a big party tomorrow.'
France, world champions in 2018, are one of football's established powers with tournament experience and attacking talent expected from them as they chase another World Cup victory. Morocco arrives with the confidence of a side who have made a habit of shifting expectations, having reached the World Cup semi-final four years ago.
Their meeting in Qatar in 2022 was charged with emotion but also marked by mutual recognition. Morocco’s run captivated supporters far beyond its borders while France's squad again illustrated the multicultural currents that have long shaped its football.
Some live in the same building and French and Moroccans will watch the game together and shake hands at the end. There is no tension here. Soccer is a family thing and France v Morocco will be no different. Quite the opposite, even.
Mohammed Saadi, 57-year-old taxi driver
I’ve come all the way from Finland. I’ve been to all of Morocco’s games and here it’s the best place. I met a lot of Moroccans, also some French and it’s going to be a big party tomorrow.
Youssef Bennani, 36-year-old software engineer
