The KNVB and the Moroccan Football Federation highlight their special bond ahead of their World Cup match

Gijs de Jong and M. Zenatti, who are in charge of the national teams of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. - Foto: KNVB Media

Ahead of the match between the Netherlands and Morocco, representatives of the KNVB and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) met in Monterrey. The administrative meeting focused on the long-standing cooperation, mutual respect, and the special bond between the two countries. The meeting ties in with the sporting showdown between two countries that are also closely connected off the field.

The relationship between the KNVB and the FRMF goes back many years. In 2018, the KNVB expressed its support for Morocco’s World Cup bid, based on its ties to Morocco and its appreciation for what players of Moroccan descent have contributed to Dutch soccer. Names such as Hakim Ziyech, Ibrahim Afellay, Khalid Boulahrouz, Noussair Mazraoui, and Salah Edine demonstrate, over the years, just how strong the soccer relationship is between the two countries.

Both associations collaborate within the international WorldCoaches program, which uses soccer to strengthen young people’s social standing. In addition, representatives from the KNVB visited the Moroccan Football Association’s campus in 2024, and the Dutch U-17 Women’s National Team participated in an international tournament in Morocco last year.

Connections

Ook op het veld zijn de verbindingen zichtbaar. Veel Marokkaanse internationals hebben een bijzondere band met het Nederlandse voetbal. Zo werd PSV-speler Ismael Saibari onlangs uitgeroepen tot VriendenLoterij Eredivisie Speler van het Jaar. In Nederland spelen ook veel andere voetballers met een Marokkaanse achtergrond, wat de hechte verwevenheid tussen beide voetballanden extra onderstreept.

The Netherlands and Morocco are currently among the top teams in the FIFA rankings. This promises to be a fantastic match, centered on sportsmanship, respect, and connection.