{"id":792216,"date":"2026-07-10T06:12:46","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T06:12:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/792216\/"},"modified":"2026-07-10T06:12:46","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T06:12:46","slug":"a-piece-of-home-france-fans-celebrate-world-cup-quarterfinal-victory-in-montreal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/792216\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018A piece of home\u2019: France fans celebrate World Cup quarterfinal victory in Montreal"},"content":{"rendered":"

A rainy afternoon in Montreal briefly felt like Paris on Thursday as France defeated Morocco 2-0 to reach the World Cup semifinals.<\/p>\n

At L\u2019Barouf 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.<\/p>\n

For many in attendance, the match was about more than soccer. It brought together members of Montreal\u2019s French and Moroccan communities, with one side chasing another World Cup title and the other hoping for long-awaited revenge after France ended Morocco\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt means so much to me, especially as an immigrant,\u201d said Emmanuel Chevallier, who moved from France to Montreal about 30 years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt gives you a piece of home. Every four years, everybody comes together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whistles echoed around the room. Fans muttered at missed chances. Chants of \u201cAllez les Bleus\u201d broke out before quickly giving way to anxious silence whenever Morocco pushed forward.<\/p>\n

Frederick, who was visiting from Paris, admitted he was struggling to enjoy himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s terrible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The France supporter predicted a 2-0 victory but was far from confident.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if we\u2019re going to win anymore,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"ACamelia Chiguer cheers for France against Morocco at L\u2019Barouf. Evan Buhler \/ Montreal Gazette<\/p>\n

Not everyone in the crowd was cheering for France.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Despite supporting opposite sides, the group insisted the result would not affect their friendship.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just soccer,\u201d they said. \u201cWe can all still be friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then France broke through.<\/p>\n

\"AJeremy 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<\/p>\n

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 \u201cAllez les Bleus\u201d rang out once again.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"PeopleFrench 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<\/p>\n

When the match ended, supporters embraced, posed for photos and debated what might come next.<\/p>\n

Antoine Glemas, who had spent much of the afternoon watching nervously, was convinced France remained the team to beat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re the best team,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"TwoAntoine Glemas, left, and Leo Armignac celebrate a second goal for France against Morocco on Thursday. Evan Buhler \/ Montreal Gazette<\/p>\n

Nearby, Lucas Raymond was already looking ahead to the next round.<\/p>\n

\u201cNorway versus France,\u201d he said with a grin. \u201cThat\u2019s what I want.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a few hours on Thursday, thousands of kilometres from Paris, France\u2019s World Cup dream remained alive \u2014 and for many gathered in Montreal, home felt a little closer.<\/p>\n

\"TwoFran\u00e7ois 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<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Profile<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tI’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.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tamclaughlin@postmedia.com
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