​Rewriting Editor’s note: Follow the World Cup quarterfinal clash between Morocco and France live right here. Morocco will take on France in the quarterfinals on Thursday, July 9, in what amounts to a rematch of the 2022 semifinal in Qatar. Four years ago, the Atlas Lions made history as the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal. They ultimately fell 2-0 to France in Qatar, but this time they aim to turn the tables, push for a spot in the final four again, and seek a measure of revenge after that prior defeat.
Yet upon kickoff, you might notice something unusual on your screen: the abbreviation for the North African nation. In match broadcasts, Morocco is displayed as MAR, even though the English spelling of the country’s name does not contain the letter A. The label MAR reflects the French name Maroc, which is how the country is referred to in many contexts; Morocco is known as Maroc in French, and that is where the MAR shorthand originates.
Morocco’s official languages are Arabic and Tamazight, but French remains widely used in daily life and business, a lingering influence of the country’s colonial past. French colonial rule lasted from 1912 until Morocco’s independence in 1956, a history that has shaped language, education, and international ties to this day. The historical connection to France is also mirrored in the composition of the Atlas Lions squad, with several players born in France. Notably, six members of the team were born in France, including Issa Diop, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Neil El Aynaoui, highlighting the cross-cultural links that enrich the national team.
This context isn’t just trivia; it helps explain the name and spelling conventions that audiences encounter during broadcasts. It’s a reminder of how history, language, and national identity intertwine in football, influencing everything from nomenclature to player eligibility and even the makeup of a squad. As the match unfolds, fans can expect a high-stakes showdown that carries both national pride and centuries of linguistic legacies onto the field.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Morocco abbreviated MAR in World Cup? for better SEO.