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 among the Moroccan community in Amsterdam at 6 am. Conversely, the atmosphere in The Hague grew tense.
With around 440,000 individuals of Moroccan descent residing in the Netherlands, the pre-match question loomed large: “So who will you support, then?” The responses were largely light-hearted. Former manager Ron Jans genuinely engaged with fellow pundit Ibrahim Afellay, who has 53 caps for the Netherlands, expressing his support for Morocco. Generally, reactions have leaned towards understanding rather than hostility, irrespective of individual allegiances.
Online discourse, however, has been stirred by far-right politician Geert Wilders, known for his prolonged attacks on Muslims and particularly the Moroccan community. In 2014, he vowed to reduce the Moroccan population in the Netherlands and recently shared an offensive tweet following an image of Moroccan players praying on the pitch. Prior to the match, he posted an AI-generated image on X depicting himself as a referee issuing a red card to a Moroccan player.
Many Dutch-Moroccan players have cited the rise of Wilders and similar right-wing populist movements as reasons for their increasing support for Morocco. While Afellay chose to represent the Netherlands, his successors have opted differently. Koeman’s current squad boasts a blend of multicultural talent, yet it’s been over a decade since a player of Moroccan heritage donned the orange jersey. Notably, three members of Morocco’s team were born in the Netherlands, each grappling with their choices but ultimately deciding to represent Morocco. This prompted right-wing politicians and commentators to criticize what they perceived as a betrayal of loyalty to their homeland.
An hour following Morocco’s victory over the Netherlands, the Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported incidents of police being targeted with bottles and fireworks in The Hague. Regional news outlet Omroep West stated that at least ten individuals, believed to be Morocco supporters, were arrested amid these disturbances. Additionally, the Algemeen Dagblad reported four arrests in Rotterdam, although no reasons were provided.
Wilders took to X to commend Morocco on its win. While discussions about social unity are likely to persist, the camaraderie witnessed among fans in Amsterdam serves as a reminder of a more positive reality compared to the often toxic online environment.
In the western part of Amsterdam, where a significant Moroccan population resides, the mood remained calm. A Dutch-Moroccan café decorated with orange flags stood out as some bars opted to stay closed due to the early kick-off. Approximately a quarter of the 200 spectators at Het Sieraad supported the Atlas Lions, while those cheering for the Netherlands coexisted peacefully. Women in headscarves proudly sang the Dutch national anthem, while fans in orange shirts celebrated Morocco’s efforts. As the game commenced, it became evident why players are drawn to represent Morocco: they have emerged as a formidable team. Currently ranked sixth by FIFA, they outperformed their opponents during the match.
Morocco’s earlier missed opportunities nearly proved costly. When Cody Gakpo netted a goal for the Netherlands, the emotional weight of his recent personal tragedy became palpable. Gakpo’s unborn son passed away last week, and while many empathized with him, Issa Diop’s powerful header equalized in stoppage time. Overjoyed Moroccan fans stepped outside for a cigarette break before extra time. Despite Morocco’s superior play, they were unable to secure a win before the shootout, where Ismael Saibari, the standout player in the Dutch league last season, scored the decisive penalty, igniting wild celebrations among Moroccan supporters.
As pubs and venues began to empty, dawn broke, and some headed straight to work. Dozens of Moroccan fans jumped into their cars, quickly filling the air with honking horns across Amsterdam. Flags waved from car windows, and Dutch supporters displayed grace in defeat, congratulating their opponents and exchanging heartfelt embraces while pledging to support Morocco for the remainder of the tournament. A few police officers were stationed at Mercatorplein square, a site of previous disturbances, but this morning, at least in Amsterdam, the atmosphere was one of pure joy following an exhilarating football match.
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