Morocco is celebrating another landmark moment on the global football stage after advancing to the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup, with supporters filling the streets from Tangier to Marrakech in celebrations that continued well into the night. For Dr. Khalid El Fataouri, a member of the Marrakech City Council, the achievement represents far more than sporting success.
"Football is no longer just a sport for Morocco," El Fataouri said in an interview with ynet Global. "It has become part of our modern diplomacy. Morocco is already a leader in Africa in industry, agriculture, culture and the economy, and now we are proving ourselves in sport as well. Today the whole world knows Morocco."
Interview with Dr. Khalid El Fataoui, Marrakech City Council member
(Video: Lior Sharon)
Four years after Morocco captured global attention with its historic World Cup semifinal run, El Fataouri believes expectations have changed. Rather than simply hoping to compete with the world's elite, Moroccans now expect to challenge for titles. "We are no longer looking just to participate," he said. "We are looking to win the World Cup. Forty million Moroccans believe in this team, and we have the support of people across Africa, the Arab world and many friends in Israel."
Looking ahead to Morocco's next match against France, El Fataouri expressed confidence that history could take a different turn this time. "I think Morocco proved yesterday how strong this team is," he said. "We believe we can succeed."
(Photo: Lior Sharon)
The council member also highlighted Morocco's preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, saying the country has already invested heavily in infrastructure, including high-speed rail, airports and new stadiums. He encouraged Israeli companies to participate in projects connected to the tournament and invited Israeli fans to visit Morocco during the competition.
Beyond football, El Fataouri emphasized the importance of the growing relationship between Morocco and Israel under the Abraham Accords. Asked whether Morocco's national team would follow other countries in making political gestures during the tournament, he said Morocco's focus remains on its own national identity. "Our flag is the Moroccan flag, and we are proud of our relationship with Israel," he said. "Israel respects Morocco, and Morocco respects Israel."
(Photo: Lior Sharon)
El Fataouri thanked Israelis who have supported Morocco throughout the tournament and encouraged them to continue backing the team. He noted that hundreds of Israeli visitors joined Moroccans in Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fnaa Square following the victory, describing the atmosphere as welcoming and secure. He also expressed hope that direct flights between Israel and Morocco will resume and called for greater people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
"We are friends through the Abraham Accords," he said. "Now it's up to civil society to keep building those ties. We hope Israelis will continue supporting Morocco, and come celebrate with us in 2030."