MOROCCAN FANS MAKE NOISE OUTSIDE FRANCE HOTEL BEFORE WORLD CUP QUARTERFINAL

Moroccan supporters gathered outside the French team's hotel in Boston before the first quarterfinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between the two nations. According to reports, the fans created noise outside the hotel overnight, playing drums and shouting in an attempt to disrupt the French players' sleep. Video footage captured French defenders Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise looking out of their windows during the disturbance. The action drew criticism from observers, though supporters characterised it as an expression of their devotion to the Moroccan team.

The incident reflects lingering tension from the 2022 World Cup semi-finals held in Qatar, where France defeated Morocco 2-0. Morocco had reached that semi-final as an underdog, conceding only a single own-goal throughout the tournament before their loss to France. The 2022 run made Morocco the first African and Arab nation to reach the final four of a FIFA World Cup. The squad has undergone significant changes since then under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, with only nine players from 2022 remaining and new additions including 18-year-old LOSC Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bilal El Khannouss. Morocco advanced to this quarterfinal after defeating the Netherlands in the round of 32.

Both fan bases have intensified their engagement with the rivalry through different methods. French authorities implemented heightened security measures, including barricading shops in preparation for potential disorder. According to reports, French fans engaged in violent behaviour following France's loss in the 2022 final, prompting the precautionary measures ahead of this match.