Moroccan communities celebrate historic World Cup win across Canada

Thousands of Canadians, particularly those of Moroccan descent, took to the streets and restaurants to celebrate their national team's historic FIFA World Cup run. While the Canadian men's national team's deepest-ever World Cup journey ended with a 3-0 loss to Morocco in the Round of 16, the victory for Morocco sparked widespread jubilation in cities like Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.

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Canada was playing like a very strong, confident team. They put Morocco back on their heels a little bit. But then in the second half we were able to score two goals, finish with a third. Congratulations.

In Montreal's vibrant Petit Maghreb neighborhood, dozens gathered along Jean-Talon Street, clad in red Morocco jerseys and waving national flags. Celebrations erupted after Morocco scored early in the second half, following a tense opening period where Canada had controlled much of the play. A significant police presence, including mounted officers and riot gear, was on hand to manage the enthusiastic crowds.

Similar scenes unfolded in Vancouver, where approximately 60 supporters packed a Moroccan restaurant in Yaletown. Otto Outn, who traveled from Morocco and now resides in Vancouver, praised Canada's strong performance but celebrated Morocco's eventual triumph. "Canada was playing like a very strong, confident team. They put Morocco back on their heels a little bit," he remarked. "But then in the second half we were able to score two goals, finish with a third. Congratulations."

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We're feeling great. It's been a fantastic day. It’s been awesome to play Canada. It was really an honour, and what a game it was.

Christa Aucy, the honorary consul for the Kingdom of Morocco in British Columbia, noted that the gatherings reflected the strong bonds within the local Moroccan community. "We're feeling great. It's been a fantastic day," she said. "It’s been awesome to play Canada. It was really an honour, and what a game it was." Restaurant owner Mohamed El Haddi added that the World Cup has served as a powerful unifying force for the community, with increasing excitement as Morocco progresses in the tournament.

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We've done this before, but more and more people are getting excited as we progress.