Sara shares her memory of the 2022 World Cup in Doha:
“As a Moroccan, I went to Doha to attend the Morocco matches (among others) during the 2022 World Cup. The energy on the streets, the sense of community, and the mixing of people you wouldn’t usually see together was a sight to behold. I felt this positive energy both inside the stadiums and outside. As a woman, I felt particularly safe in Qatar — thanks to the security measures in place and the absence of alcohol in stadiums, which only seemed to bring out the best in people. The focus was football, community, and pure enjoyment.
I can confidently say it was the happiest time of my life, and I was lucky to share it with a close friend who, sadly, passed away recently. The World Cup 2022 memory has become even more precious to me — having shared it with someone I loved. Though they are no longer with us, the memories remain.
I can still taste the karak served in the stadiums, hear the Dima Maghreb and Sir chants, and feel the powerful pro-Palestine solidarity expressed by people from all walks of life, free from restriction or censorship. It felt like the closest the world has come to peace. And Morocco’s exceptional performance? Just the cherry on top.”
And why the memory has stayed with her:
“World Cup 2022 brought with it a deep sense of belonging for many I spoke with — from Japan and Mexico to Morocco and Senegal. It seemed to attract a different audience, including those who might not typically have had access to previous World Cups. You could feel it in the way it was celebrated and enjoyed — it wasn’t just about football; it was about being seen, welcomed, and part of something bigger.”
