A rainy afternoon in Montreal briefly felt like Paris on Thursday as France defeated Morocco 2-0 to reach the World Cup semifinals.
At L’Barouf on St-Denis St., supporters packed the bar, draped themselves in French flags and erupted as France turned a tense, scoreless match into a 2-0 victory with two second-half goals six minutes apart.
For many in attendance, the match was about more than soccer. It brought together members of Montreal’s French and Moroccan communities, with one side chasing another World Cup title and the other hoping for long-awaited revenge after France ended Morocco’s historic run four years ago. That tournament saw Morocco become the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semifinal before falling 2-0 to France.
“It means so much to me, especially as an immigrant,” said Emmanuel Chevallier, who moved from France to Montreal about 30 years ago.
“It gives you a piece of home. Every four years, everybody comes together.”
Whistles echoed around the room. Fans muttered at missed chances. Chants of “Allez les Bleus” broke out before quickly giving way to anxious silence whenever Morocco pushed forward.
Frederick, who was visiting from Paris, admitted he was struggling to enjoy himself.
“It’s terrible,” he said.
The France supporter predicted a 2-0 victory but was far from confident.
“I don’t know if we’re going to win anymore,” he said.
Camelia Chiguer cheers for France against Morocco at L’Barouf. Evan Buhler / Montreal Gazette
Not everyone in the crowd was cheering for France.
Hicham, a Morocco supporter watching alongside friends Louis, who backed France, and Mamoun, another Morocco fan, said he hoped the match would remain scoreless until the dying moments before Morocco found a winner.
Despite supporting opposite sides, the group insisted the result would not affect their friendship.
“It’s just soccer,” they said. “We can all still be friends.”
Then France broke through.
Jeremy Azeff celebrates a goal for France against Morocco with a baguette during a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal watch party in Montreal on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Evan Buhler / Montreal Gazette
Supporters leapt from their seats as cheers drowned out the television commentary. One fan hoisted a baguette above his head before tossing it into the air. Emmanuel caught it and took a celebratory bite as chants of “Allez les Bleus” rang out once again.
As the second half wore on, Morocco supporters grew quieter. Some began filtering out before the final whistle while French fans remained glued to the screens, already beginning to dream about another World Cup title.
French supporters celebrate a second goal for France against Morocco during a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match in Montreal on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Evan Buhler / Montreal Gazette
When the match ended, supporters embraced, posed for photos and debated what might come next.
Antoine Glemas, who had spent much of the afternoon watching nervously, was convinced France remained the team to beat.
“We’re the best team,” he said.
Antoine Glemas, left, and Leo Armignac celebrate a second goal for France against Morocco on Thursday. Evan Buhler / Montreal Gazette
Nearby, Lucas Raymond was already looking ahead to the next round.
“Norway versus France,” he said with a grin. “That’s what I want.”
For a few hours on Thursday, thousands of kilometres from Paris, France’s World Cup dream remained alive — and for many gathered in Montreal, home felt a little closer.
François Rochard, left, and Lucas Raymond celebrate with a small replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy after France defeated Morocco Thursday. Evan Buhler / Montreal Gazette
I’m a reporting intern at the Montreal Gazette, covering breaking news and the issues affecting communities across Montreal. I believe some of the most interesting stories begin with an ordinary conversation.
amclaughlin@postmedia.com