Morocco Denies Viral ” We Don’t Represent Africa” Claims Ahead of World Cup Quarter-Final Against France
As Morocco prepares for its blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France, the country’s Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports has issued an official statement debunking viral claims attributed to Sports Minister Mohamed Saad Berrada.
The statement comes after social media posts falsely alleged that Berrada said, “Morocco does not represent Africa,” “the national football team represents only Morocco, not Africa,” and “Morocco does not need Africa’s support.”
In a strongly worded response, the Ministry categorically denied the claims, describing them as “entirely false and unfounded.”
According to the statement, the minister has not granted any media interview or made any public remarks on the matter, insisting that the comments circulating online were fabricated and do not reflect either his personal views or the official position of the Kingdom of Morocco.
The Ministry reaffirmed Morocco’s pride in its African identity, stressing that the country’s historical, cultural and human ties with other African nations remain a fundamental pillar of its national policy.
It also urged media organisations and social media users to verify information before sharing it, while warning that legal action could be taken against individuals responsible for spreading false information or falsely attributing statements to the minister.
The clarification comes on the eve of one of the biggest matches in Morocco’s football history as the Atlas Lions face two-time world champions France in the first quarter-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The encounter, scheduled for Thursday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, rekindles memories of the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar, where France ended Morocco’s historic run with a 2-0 victory.
Morocco, the reigning African champions and the continent’s only remaining representatives in the tournament, will be aiming to make history once again by reaching the World Cup semi-finals.
Standing in their way is a formidable French side led by Kylian Mbappé, who enter the contest as one of the tournament favourites.
The winner will advance to the semi-finals to face either Spain or Belgium, keeping alive hopes of lifting football’s biggest prize.
