Morocco targeted by French press before France quarter-final

Morocco faces France with a place in the World Cup semi-final at stake. On the pitch, the Lions of the Atlas arrive with solid arguments, a structured team and a record that commands respect. But in part of the French press, the match sometimes seems to have been moved elsewhere.

On Bladi.net : France vs Morocco Quarter-Final: French Press Analysis

In recent days, several articles have focused on peripheral subjects. Le Monde devoted an article on Thursday to Achraf Hakimi around the legal case that follows him, emphasizing that the player is competing in the World Cup "as if nothing had happened". The information exists, but its return to the forefront just hours before a France-Morocco match gives a particular tone to the context.

The same logic applies to L’Équipe, which relayed the security measures planned in Paris for the match, with a headline centered on fighting delinquency. Again, the information is factual: the police prefecture announces measures, closures and enhanced controls. But the media effect is clear: even before kick-off, the match is associated with risks of disorder and public order.

A negative framing around Morocco

RMC Sport, for its part, chose to revisit Brahim Diaz’s missed Panenka against Senegal and the reproaches that Achraf Hakimi allegedly directed at him. The headline emphasizes "a strained relationship" and "harsh words". Instead of highlighting Morocco’s qualification, Mohamed Ouahbi’s work or the team’s tactical strengths, the focus is placed on possible internal tension.

Taken separately, these articles can be defended. They are based on facts or current events. But put together, they draw the same framing: Morocco is presented through justice, security, tensions and controversies, rather than through its football.

That is where the media treatment becomes interesting. The Moroccan squad is not only analyzed as a sporting opponent of France. It is also surrounded by a narrative that charges it emotionally and symbolically before the match. The debate leaves the pitch to move towards miscellaneous facts, public order or supposed tensions in the locker room.

On Bladi.net : France-Morocco Quarter-Final: Journalists Clash at Press Conference

It would be excessive to speak of an organized campaign without evidence to demonstrate it. However, it is difficult to ignore the repetition of these angles. As such a sensitive match approaches, part of the French press seems less to tell the story of Morocco playing than of a Morocco that disturbs, worries or divides.