Rabat – Since Morocco’s 2022 FIFA World Cup run to the semifinals, many people around the world have been touched by this historic  journey. Among them is Brazil, the political and economic leader of the South American region and an absolute giant in football history. Even though the two countries share a rich but also a regularly ignored common history, football has shifted their relationship into a truly emotional diplomacy, with the game extending far beyond the pitch. 

Just a few days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C opening fixture between the Atlas Lions and the Auriverde in New York, everything suggests a celebration between two friendly peoples bound by growing mutual admiration.

An unknown shared history

Despite being relatively little known, Morocco and Brazil already share several years of common history. Under Sultan Moulay Slimane at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, the North African country became the first state to recognize Brazil’s independence in 1822 and the first in Africa to establish diplomatic relations with the Land of Palms in 1884. During the 18th century, hundreds of families from Mazagan,  today known as El Jadida, left the city after its recovery by Sultan Mohamed III and moved to Mazagao, in northeastern Brazil. 

Those historic ties provide a framework for today’s friendly relations, both states supporting each other on political cases in international organizations. The historical context helps explain the emotional diplomacy that is emerging today.

The 2022 Morocco-Brazil shift game

Back on March 25, 2023, both squads had already faced each other in Tangier, resulting in a 2-1 Moroccan victory with goals from Sofiane Boufal and Abdelhamid Sabiri for Morocco, and Casemiro for Brazil. This game was the first one after Morocco’s historic 2022 FIFA World Cup run and marked the turning point for Brazilian supporters, becoming absolutely fascinated by Morocco’s style of play and courage, drawing thousands of Brazilian supporters who had made the trip to Tangier. 

Following this friendly encounter, social and traditional media in Brazil were flooded with content celebrating Moroccan football and culture, symbolizing a growing mutual respect built through a simple sporting event.

Brazilian admiration for Morocco

Brazilian stars have also recognized Moroccan talent, such as Vinicius Junior, the Real Madrid winger. He notably spoke positively about Moroccans for their warm hospitality during the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup. The Brazilian player has also posted a photo on Instagram of himself in the Marrakech desert, wearing a Moroccan jersey. 

Many other Brazilian players have spoken positively about Morocco becoming increasingly recognized as a rising football nation. Endrick, the young Real Madrid striker, recently said in an interview to Le360 ahead of the next World Cup fixture: ‘It’s a very strong team […] This match could easily be a World Cup semifinal.’ Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario also said that ‘Morocco have been playing great football for the past five or six years.’ Brazilian media as well rapidly shifted from surprise to admiration. ESPN Brasil described Morocco’s victory in Tangier in 2023 as a ‘statement win’, while former Brazil coach Ramon Menezes openly called the Atlas Lions ‘a great and very strong team.’ 

Social media as a boost for emotional diplomacy

Across social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, content from Brazilian fans expressing their admiration for Morocco has exploded in recent years. One notable example is the fan page @bailedemarrocos, representing the cultural and online trend blending admiration for Morocco, football, Brazilian funk music and urban aesthetics. The page often shares viral videos recreating Moroccan goal celebrations, like Hakimi’s iconic penguin celebration following the victory against Spain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as well as Moroccan supporters’ chants. 

The enthusiasm of Brazilian fans for these cultural elements is not trivial; it resonates with their passion for dances, celebrations, street culture and football edits. TikTok’s appetite for viral content also influences the circulation of trends connecting the two nations, showing the central role of online communities in the shared cultural construction.

Moroccan soft power and Brazilian fascination

In recent years, on social media and football analysis content, Morocco’s national team has been nicknamed the ‘Brazil of Africa’ for its technical quality, creativity and flair, with notable players like Sofiane Boufal, Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi or Hakim Ziyech. The Moroccan playing style has become an inspiring model even for football fans in a great football nation such as Brazil. 

The fascination goes both ways. Some urban areas in Brazil, such as Vila Kennedy, a favela in the western zone of Rio de Janeiro, have adopted the symbolic name ‘Avenida Marrocos’, reflecting a connection between the two countries, regularly highlighted on social media. 

Moroccan football has also gained popularity in Brazil through lifestyle. The Moroccan jersey has become increasingly visible on Brazilian social media. Few Brazilian content creators and artists have shared videos wearing the red jersey, including DJ Rafael Foxx, MC Menor, Iman Ali Dib, and Jeny. Through football, Morocco asserts itself as a cultural brand as much as a sporting one. 

Tourism and cultural connections

Morocco began to attract an increasing number of  Brazilian tourists. The number of Brazilian visitors increased by 35% in 2025 compared to 2024, while overnight stays by Brazilian tourists in classified accommodation establishments rose by 48% during the same period. This growing trend can also be explained by the new direct Casablanca-São Paulo flight, operated by Royal Air Maroc (RAM). 

Beach sports also bring Brazilian visitors: surfing and kitesurfing are particularly popular in Brazil, with fans turning towards Moroccan coastal destinations such as Dakhla, Essaouira or Taghazout. 

About culture, the major Brazilian music festival ‘Na Praia’ dedicated its 2023 edition to Morocco, reflecting what Moroccan diplomats described as a growing Brazilian admiration for the North African country’s culture and heritage. Collaborations between the two artistic scenes, as well as mutual inspiration, are becoming increasingly frequent. Moroccan rapper Stormy released the track ‘Popo’ in 2024, blending Brazilian funk rhythms with Darija lyrics. The music video, filmed in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas, has since reached 63 million views on YouTube. 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup fixture will be more than a simple sporting event, embodying the relationship shaped by emotions, social media and culture. Morocco keeps asserting itself as an emerging actor in global soft power.