Morocco celebrates World Cup 2026 qualification with Algerian song

Morocco's national football team secured their spot in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, June 30, by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Following the match, the players celebrated in the locker room by singing 'Mabrouk Alina,' a song by the late Algerian artist Rabah Driassa. This act has reignited a cultural dispute between the two North African nations.

The song was originally composed in 1986 to celebrate Algeria's participation in the World Cup in Mexico. However, in 2022, Moroccan singer Rachid Berriah covered the song and claimed it as his own, sparking outrage in Algeria. Abdou Driassa, the son of the original composer, accused Berriah of theft and initiated legal proceedings.

The Moroccan players' choice of song has been interpreted by some as a provocation, while others see it as a spontaneous celebration. Given the song's controversial history, the gesture carries significant symbolic weight.

Abdou Driassa stated that he contacted Algeria's National Copyright Office (ONDA) and the French Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers (SACEM) as soon as he learned of the unauthorized use of his father's work in 2022. These organizations are responsible for collecting royalties from music broadcasters.

The incident highlights the ongoing cultural tensions between Morocco and Algeria, which are also marked by political disputes over Western Sahara. Football's ability to bring such sensitive issues to the forefront demonstrates the profound social impact of sports.