The American city of Boston transformed into a Moroccan celebration ground hours before the anticipated quarter-final clash between Morocco and France at the 2026 World Cup, as thousands of supporters packed Boston Common park to cheer on the Atlas Lions in a striking display of enthusiasm.
A number of fans set off fireworks amid chants and songs backing the Moroccan national team, while Moroccan flags fluttered across the park in scenes that reflected the intense excitement building ahead of the match.
The gathering also saw one fan waving a Palestinian flag, a moment that drew the attention of those present and the lenses of photographers, while others added to the festive atmosphere by playing with an oversized football bearing messages of support and encouragement for the team ahead of the decisive encounter.
One fan carried a replica of the World Cup trophy, a symbolic expression of Moroccan supporters' ambitions to keep the journey going and achieve another historic feat, as large crowds who had travelled from various cities converged to back their team.
Among the most moving scenes, a young Moroccan boy was hoisted onto shoulders holding a sign asking for a ticket to attend the match, hoping to fulfil his dream of watching his country's team from inside the stadium and cheering them on against France.
The Moroccan national team hopes to continue making history and reach the World Cup semi-finals for the second consecutive time, having become at the 2022 World Cup the first Arab and African team to reach the last eight.