The 2022 FIFA World Cup was a spectacle to behold–stands were filled with chants, flags, and painted faces. The tournament saw 32 countries competing over four weeks, resulting in a sea of colors on display. Despite the falls, fouls, and flops, the World Cup was an unforgettable experience.
Argentina and Messi brought home the main prize, but it was the Morocco national football team that stole the hearts of soccer fans. The “Atlas Lions” were the surprise of the World Cup and represented the underdog spirit that is beloved in sports events such as the NFL, college football, and March Madness. Despite losing in the semifinals and ultimately finishing in fourth place, the team exceeded all expectations. Morocco became the first African and Arab country to reach a World Cup semifinal in its 92-year history. They won their division with victories over Belgium and Canada and stunned mighty Spain and Ronaldo-led Portugal in penalty kicks.
The Morocco team represented not only their country but all of Africa and brought hope to teams like Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana. The support for the team spread across the world, especially in Muslim-dominant countries, where soccer fans celebrated in the streets. The team’s performance had a historical and colonial significance as well, as they faced France in the semifinals. France had ruled Morocco for almost 40 years until Morocco gained independence in 1956, and the match against the French team symbolized that countries can stand up against their former rulers.
The Moroccan team’s performance was a remarkable victory for a country that suffers widespread poverty and hardship. Additionally, the entire team donated their earnings, which amounted to 25 million dollars, to the impoverished people of Morocco. Coach Regragui’s words sum it up perfectly: “It doesn’t cost you anything to have dreams.” Morocco may not have won the World Cup, but they left Qatar as a story that the soccer world will never forget. They united a country, a region, a continent, and almost every corner of the world through their teamwork and spirit.