Morocco have become the Cinderella team of the 2022 World Cup. The Atlas Lions have already defeated powerhouses Spain, Portugal and Belgium in their run to the tournament semifinals.
They are already the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal and, despite Qatari authorities forcing the cancellation of flights from Morocco, Moroccan fans have flocked to Al Khor for the matchup against France, the defending World Cup champions.
As the tournament’s remaining underdog, Morocco have become an adopted team for many fans — and have football fans from other African nations joining the Moroccan bandwagon. So much so that Morocco matches in Qatar have a home-field advantage for the Atlas Lions.
Here’s a look at the scenes from the match.
Prior to the match, fans were celebrating in Al Khor, where the match is being held, and at the Souq Waqif marketplace in Doha, where approximately 13,000 native Moroccans live.
The Souq Waqif in Doha is brimming with Moroccan fans. And what’s wonderful is support comes from all across the Middle East and North Africa as well as from countless neutrals heavily invested in Morocco’s fairytale. pic.twitter.com/bsLJjtAaQw
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 14, 2022
Uganda 🇺🇬 and Morocco 🇲🇦 unite in Qatar ❤️#FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022onMG pic.twitter.com/DsTeeWOp54
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) December 14, 2022
🇲🇦 Morocco fans are starting celebrations early as they prepare for their match-up against France.
🎉 Watch as supporters cheer away at Souq Waqif ahead of the game! pic.twitter.com/H3o5LGOz26
— Doha News (@dohanews) December 14, 2022
Morocco fans. My word! #Qatar2022onMG pic.twitter.com/V30dJtwpdx
— Yaw (@theyawofosu) December 14, 2022
