Morocco

While there has been extensive scrutiny of World Cup host Qatar’s reported ‘sportswashing’ of human rights violations, semi-finalist Morocco’s own track record has largely flown under the radar. Every year, on November 6th, an all-star cast of retired footballers descends on the Sheikh Mohamed Laghdaf Stadium in El Aaiún /…

Line-ups: It is remarkable to think about the options that France does not have in this World Cup. Lucas Hernandez, Nkunku, Pogba, Kante and Benzema to name a few. There is a reason that France has been in a European final, World Cup final and now World Cup semi-final…

Till the Semi’s — There is no bigger occasion than the world cup when it comes to sports. Every edition of this prestigious tournament has given us plenty to enjoy but the world cup 2022 was different from the beginning. May it be Qatar’s treatment of the migrant, the official ban on whiskey, threats…

Although Moroccan fans’ hopes of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup final have been crushed, supporters all over Morocco, Europe and host nation Qatar showed their support for the team with pride. Fans celebrated both togetherness as well as incredible performances from players that had given…

On the eve of Morroco’s historic game against France, we look at how Islam has impacted the tournament, hosted by the first Muslim-majority country Hedija Spahalic As Moroccan goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, and his son play on the field after the team’s 1–0 historic win against Portugal, no doubt taking a…

The first thing you notice when you fly into Marrakech is how red it is. The dirt, the buildings, even the farms just outside the city are all pale red. Yet when you wander into its medina, the equally red walled medieval center, you understand why Morocco is known for…

America has been wooing Africa at exactly the right time. It’s been eight years since the last US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. And as the World Cup in Qatar headed towards the end, an African country, Morocco, qualified for the semi-finals. The significance for the African continent (and the…