In the Netherlands, the World Cup knockout match against Morocco transcended mere football. Following a thrilling penalty shootout that eliminated Ronald Koeman’s squad, jubilant celebrations erupted at 6 a.m. among the Moroccan community in Amsterdam. However, the atmosphere soured in The Hague, where tensions escalated.
With around 440,000 individuals of Moroccan descent residing in the Netherlands, many faced the same question before the match: “So who will you support, then?” This inquiry often led to good-natured discussions, and former manager Ron Jans showed genuine curiosity while asking fellow pundit Ibrahim Afellay, who has earned 53 caps for the Netherlands, about his allegiance. Afellay expressed his support for Morocco, reflecting a broader sentiment of understanding among fans, regardless of their team choices.
On social media, however, the tone has been sharply different, fueled by far-right politician Geert Wilders, known for his long-standing criticisms of Muslims and the Moroccan community in particular. In 2014, Wilders vowed to decrease the Moroccan population in the Netherlands, and just weeks ago, he shared an anti-Islam post in response to a photo of Moroccan players praying on the pitch. Leading up to the match, he even posted an AI-generated image of himself as a referee issuing a red card to a Moroccan player.
Many Dutch-Moroccan players have cited the rise of Wilders and other right-wing populist groups as influencing their decisions to represent Morocco. While Afellay chose to play for the Netherlands, his successors have opted differently. Koeman’s current squad is notably multicultural, yet it has been over a decade since a player of Moroccan descent donned the Dutch national jersey. Three members of the Moroccan team were born in the Netherlands, each harboring varying degrees of uncertainty about their choices; nonetheless, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, and Anass Salah-Eddine ultimately committed to Morocco. Politicians and commentators on the right quickly condemned what they perceived as a lack of loyalty among these players.
An hour after Morocco’s victory over the Netherlands, the Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported incidents of police being targeted with bottles and fireworks in The Hague. According to regional news outlet Omroep West, at least ten individuals believed to be Morocco fans were arrested following the violence. Additionally, the newspaper Algemeen Dagblad reported that four Morocco fans were detained in Rotterdam, though the reasons remain unspecified.
Wilders took to X to congratulate Morocco on their achievement. As discussions about social cohesion persist, the camaraderie witnessed among fans in Amsterdam serves as a reminder that real-life interactions can be more pleasant than those online.
In the western part of Amsterdam, an area with a significant Moroccan population, the atmosphere remained calm. A Dutch-Moroccan-owned café proudly displayed orange flags. While some bars opted to stay open for the 3 a.m. kickoff, others chose to close. Approximately a quarter of the 200 attendees at the venue Het Sieraad supported the Atlas Lions, creating a harmonious environment alongside Dutch fans. Women in headscarves sang the Dutch national anthem, while lads in orange shirts cheered for Morocco. As the match commenced, it was evident why players are eager to represent the North African nation: they have become a formidable team. Ranked sixth by FIFA, Morocco surpassed their Dutch rivals, who held the seventh spot, and showcased their superiority during the match.
Morocco’s missed opportunities nearly cost them dearly. When Cody Gakpo scored for the Netherlands, emotions ran high. Gakpo, who recently suffered the loss of his unborn son, was met with understanding from viewers, yet Issa Diop’s powerful header equalized in stoppage time. Ecstatic Moroccan supporters stepped outside for a break before extra time. Despite their team’s clear superiority, Morocco was unable to secure a win in regulation, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout where Ismael Saibari, acclaimed as the best player in the Dutch league last season, converted the decisive kick, igniting wild celebrations among Morocco fans.
As pubs and venues began to empty, a new day dawned under bright sunshine, with some heading straight to work. Dozens of Moroccans jumped into their cars, and within moments, the sound of honking horns echoed throughout Amsterdam. Fans waved flags from their windows, while Dutch supporters graciously acknowledged their opponents’ well-earned victory, exchanging hearty hugs and vowing to support Morocco for the remainder of the tournament. A few police officers were stationed at Mercatorplein square, a site of previous unrest following earlier Morocco matches. However, this morning was marked by pure, unrestrained joy in Amsterdam after an exhilarating display of football.
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