As Edmontonians gathered to watch the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, the atmosphere at the fan park adjacent to Rogers Place was evenly split between supporters of Canada and Morocco. The match, held on Saturday July 4, 2026, saw Morocco eliminate Canada with a 3-0 victory, but the event was marked by a spirit of unity and mutual respect among fans.
Split Loyalties and Shared Passions
Fans waved Moroccan flags and jerseys sporting Achraf Hakimi's No. 2, alongside Canadian flags and No. 19 jerseys in support of Alphonso Davies. Sam Sawchuk, whose parents are from Morocco, expressed his conflicted feelings: "I'm feel pretty good about the game but Canada could upset us. I'm a Canadian too, born and raised. I'm also an Oilers fan."
Despite the split allegiances, the atmosphere was entirely pro-Canadian, with many fans celebrating the freedom to support whichever team they chose. Amina Hajid, a fan of Moroccan descent, stated, "We are stronger when united. I love Canada, but for this game, my heart is in Morocco." She noted that reaching the round of 16 was a huge achievement for Team Canada, historically less known for soccer prowess compared to hockey or curling, and said she would have switched to Canada had they managed to upset the FIFA sixth-ranked team.
Friendships Forged Through Soccer
Derrick Zavala originally cheered for Brazil, but after Morocco tied them 1-1 earlier in the tournament, he switched sides to be part of Morocco's energy. "I got so excited watching Morocco celebrate," he said. "It's like discovering a new part of the world." His friend Diego Marabona joked that Zavala had tricked him by changing sides at the last minute.
Many Canadians of Moroccan descent came to support their mother country, while others had continental loyalties. Mohamed Darow, who spent nearly a decade living in Egypt, said he cheered for Morocco because of the close ties between the two countries. "I'm African, they're African," he said. "So I support both — but I love Canada. If my other teams didn't win, I'd be supporting Canada all the way."
A United Love for the Game
Regardless of heritage, friends and fans were united in their love for Canada and the game. Sima Ponte, sporting a Spanish jersey, said he and his friend Brayden Melnychuk trade sports fandom, spending summers watching soccer and winters watching hockey. "I like Morocco a little more, but I'm Canadian so I also support our team," Ponte said. "Win or lose, I'll be happy."
Promises of loyalty were not tested, as Morocco found a gap in Canada's defense shortly into the second half, ultimately winning 3-0 to advance. The event highlighted the diverse and inclusive spirit of Edmonton's soccer community, where fans could cheer for different teams while sharing a common love for the sport and their country.
