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Rabat- Moroccan market research firm Sunergia published a survey titled “Moroccans and the FIFA World Cup 2022.” The survey aims to assess Moroccans’ interest in the World Cup, their expectations for the national team’s performance, and whether they are aware of the controversy surrounding the event’s host country.
The survey’s data indicates that 63% of Moroccans will be watching the World Cup this year, while 33% will not. Male spectators make up 76% of the viewers, and there are no discernible differences among age groups.
The Sunergia report further indicates that Moroccans showed great interest in this year’s World Cup following the Atlas Lion’s achievements so far which have made them key players in the tournament– a factor that has most likely “influenced this interest.”
According to the survey, 52% of respondents said they would only watch games involving the national team.
In particular, men are more likely to watch every game (37%), while women are more likely to watch just the national team games (71%).
Morocco’s positive outlook
Moroccans celebrating following the Atlas Lions’ victory over Canada
The Sunergia report found that Moroccans are generally optimistic about the national team’s success. When asked about Morocco’s chances in this World Cup, 7% predict elimination from the group stage and 15% believe Morocco will reach the knockout stage.
Despite the Moroccan team’s win against Canada and Belgium, only 20% forecast a trip to the semifinals, while even less (12%) predict they will make it to the quarterfinals.
Regarding the much-anticipated final 19% believe Morocco could reach that stage and 18% believe Morocco will be crowned the World Cup winners.
The survey also shed light on the controversies surrounding this year’s World Cup as Western media has conducted many reports that criticize the host country.
Although Western media has made the controversy a big topic of discussion abroad it seems that such news has not been as widely publicized in Morocco as only 7% of Moroccans are aware of the controversies surrounding this year’s World Cup. Within this category, men outnumber women (11%), while women and people aged 18 -24 are equally unaware of the controversies (98%).
Regarding employee working conditions and rules imposed on fans in Qatar. Moroccan polls said that 25% were aware of the controversies surrounding stadium workers’ working conditions.
The survey found that 21% are aware of the rules imposed by Qatar on fans such as not having access to alcohol consumption during the matches, and banning sexual relations between unmarried people. The decision concerns both nationals and foreigners.
Additionally, 10% of respondents are aware of the controversy over Qatar’s decision to not support homosexuality, 7% are aware of the controversy over stadium air conditioning, and 5% are aware that Morocco is in charge of security.
