Why many Algerians avoided the France-Morocco match

For many Algerians, the France-Morocco quarter-final match was not an event to look forward to. According to the independent Algerian outlet Twala, many chose to avoid the broadcast entirely rather than watch. This decision is not based on a lack of interest in football; it is based on the complex history and current political tension between these nations. For Algerians, this match felt like an uncomfortable situation they would rather not be part of.

The Algerian national team had already been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. The tournament served as a harsh reminder of the issues facing Algerian football. While the team showed talent, they were unable to compete at the highest level. The loss to Argentina and the exit at the hands of Switzerland highlighted their weaknesses: a lack of structure, a weak domestic league, and an overreliance on the diaspora rather than building a solid foundation at home. The team had the “potential,” but they could not turn that into goals or victories.

This tournament has also brought geopolitical frustrations to the surface. France is viewed by many through the lens of colonial history. Morocco, meanwhile, is seen as a regional rival that is currently seeking international validation from France and other Western powers. For an Algerian viewer, rooting for either side feels wrong. There is a sense that the current diplomatic climate between Algeria and Morocco makes a sporting match between the two (or one involving their respective rivals) impossible to view as “just a game.”

Ultimately, being an Algerian football fan during this World Cup has been a cycle of frustration, according to Twala. It is a mix of high hopes, difficult exits, and the constant feeling that the national sports system needs a complete overhaul. Even though the team is out, Algerians remain vocal about their views on the sport and the political context surrounding it.

Maghrebi.org, Twala