News of a remarkable football journey stretched from Baghdad to Casablanca, passing through Beirut, Cairo, and Ramallah, and even reaching Algeria. Across borders, millions celebrated Morocco’s surprising run as the first Arabic-speaking nation to reach the quarterfinals. It wasn’t merely a game; it felt like a shared moment for the Arab world. Moroccan players became symbols of pride, with their victory drawing cheers from Arab citizens and many around the globe who watched with admiration.
Even Queen Rania of Jordan joined the chorus of congratulations, tweeting a playful, elongated message that read, Wow Morocco, you did it again. The moment carried a pan-Arab sentiment that spilled into Europe, where major capitals witnessed crowds celebrating together. For a country like Morocco, defeating a former colonial power and reaching a global event hosted in an Arab and Muslim country was historic, highlighting how sports can momentarily bridge long-standing political divides.
مبرووووووك لأسود الأطلس فرحتونا Wow #Morocco! you did it again#اسود_الاطلس
— Rania Al Abdullah (@QueenRania) December 6, 2022
The Qatar World Cup emerged as a public arena for Arab societies, where stadiums became forums for expression. In places where freedom of expression is restricted at home, many people used the stands to broadcast their messages—united by players, banners, chants, and flags. The event transformed into a space where supporters could vocalize their views, with some calling it the Palestine World Cup.
open forum in qatar
Never had a sporting event united so many Palestinian flags. The solidarity among Arabs contrasted with the political rifts that have shaped regional relations. Morocco, together with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan, had earlier signed normalization agreements with Israel. Public opinion within those states has often reflected skepticism toward this alliance, especially under non-democratic regimes where public dissent is limited.
Qatar presented a platform that many felt allowed conversations to unfold without formal channels. The rejection of Israel then created tensions for journalists, who faced scrutiny while covering the games. A Lebanese spectator once asked a reporter where they were from. When told Israel, the journalist faced a stern correction: the audience member insisted that the correct label was Palestine, underscoring the charged atmosphere surrounding the tournament.
pan-Arab union
Morocco repeated its stance of solidarity with Palestinian people, proudly displaying Palestinian flags alongside Arab brothers during the celebrations. Yet not all Arabs or Palestinians saw the moment the same way. Some voiced concerns about the broader political situation, noting that celebrating in isolation could overlook ongoing struggles in other regions, including the Sahara. The debate highlighted how sports can intertwine with political narratives, drawing mixed responses from fans and activists alike.
“It’s hard for me to be happy when a neighboring nation is perceived to be oppressing another people,” tweeted activist Marwa Fatafta. She emphasized that genuine solidarity with Palestine does not erase the need to consider broader human rights issues and regional conflicts, including those affecting the Sahara. The exchange reflected a broader conversation about alliances and the responsibilities that come with celebrating success on the world stage.
While many Africans celebrated Morocco’s progress, the tournament’s arc also left some questioning the fate of other African teams. Morocco’s quarterfinal appearance marked the fourth time an African side reached that stage, joining Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in earlier decades. The celebration was transnational, and it resonated across the Arab world as people from diverse backgrounds embraced the team’s achievement, while others focused on the broader implications for regional politics and identity.
Ultimately, football’s reach in this context functioned as a momentary connective tissue—bridging passions, sparking debates, and inviting people to reflect on what it means to celebrate success within a region that is often divided along political lines. Some fans stayed focused on the game, while others used the moment to push for discussion about human rights and solidarity with oppressed groups across the Arab world and beyond.