Morocco’s Pre-Penalty Quran Recitation, Post-Match Prostrations Draw Global Attention

IQNA – The Moroccan national team's pre-penalty recitation of Quranic verses and subsequent Sujood (prostrations) after their Round of 32 victory over the Netherlands have gone viral on social media.

Videos of the faith-based rituals have generated significant engagement across multiple platforms.

Moments before the high-pressure penalty shootout, Morocco's players and coaching staff, led by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, formed a circle and recited verses from the Holy Quran before offering prayers.

The scene was widely shared online after Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw to secure a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty, the Moroccan players and coaching staff celebrated by collectively performing Sujood, prostrating in gratitude to Allah before embracing one another.

The gesture was widely praised by supporters, although it is not new for the Atlas Lions. Morocco's national team has for years been known for praying before important matches and offering Sujood after games, regardless of whether they ended in victory or defeat.

Among the players who have openly spoken about their faith is Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan international has previously said that Islam plays a central role in his life and has expressed his desire to memorize the Holy Quran. He has also spoken about continuing his religious studies and serving his community after retiring from football.

Mazraoui was once again among Morocco's standout performers against the Netherlands, helping his side remain solid defensively before goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the decisive save in the shootout and Saibari converted the winning penalty.

Saibari, who recently joined Bayern Munich, has emerged as one of Morocco's key players at the tournament. The 24-year-old has scored three goals in four matches, finding the net in all three group-stage fixtures before calmly converting the decisive penalty against the Netherlands.

Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 as they continue their impressive campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Source: english.varthabharati.in