Conspiracy theory around Morocco-France: the Moroccan federation shuts it down

Abdessalam Belkachour, president of Morocco's National Professional Football League and a board member of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, has broken his silence to respond to the wave of controversy and rumors surrounding Morocco's quarter-final exit from the 2026 World Cup against France (0-2) on 9 July.

A unanimous board praising the national team

Belkachour said the federation's board was unanimous in praising the level Morocco displayed throughout their 2026 World Cup campaign, noting that the federation "refuted everything said about the France match," referring to the criticism and speculation that circulated after the game.

A firm rejection of the "conspiracy" claim

He explained that some had gone as far as calling the match result a "conspiracy," arguing that this claim was nothing more than "rumors that tried to undermine the national team's worth." He said the board had fully refuted these malicious allegations, while praising the heroic performance of the players, technical staff, and official delegation throughout the tournament.

A clear rejection of "lack of effort" accusations

Belkachour also firmly rejected rumors suggesting a supposed "lack of effort" from the players in the final match, stating that the board firmly believes in the considerable efforts the players put in throughout the competition, and that such accusations have no basis in fact.

An honourable run despite the disappointment of elimination

Morocco had put together a remarkable 2026 World Cup campaign, finishing their group stage unbeaten (a draw against Brazil, wins over Scotland and Haiti), before eliminating the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32, then Canada (3-0) in the Round of 16, before falling to France in the quarter-final — a match in which head coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed frustration that a handball was not given in the build-up to Kylian Mbappé's goal.