Unpacking the Whistling Phenomenon of Moroccan Supporters at the World Cup

Over the span of just four years, Morocco has become one of the more accomplished teams in international soccer. 

In 2022, the country became the first ever from Africa to reach the semifinals in the World Cup. Morocco followed it up by breaking the world record for the longest winning streak in international football in 2025, winning the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup and being awarded the title of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions.

Now, Morocco is making more noise in the 2026 World Cup, looking to best its finish at Qatar. Along the way, Morocco’s fans have also earned a reputation for their rowdiness — including whistling sounds during games.

Here’s why Morocco fans often can be heard whistling during World Cup games.

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Why do Morocco fans whistle during World Cup games?

The reason whistling can often be heard during Morocco’s World Cup games is that fans are trying to create a hostile atmosphere for their opponent, bringing loud noises in hopes of disrupting the opposing players.

While some fans will whistle at sporting events as a cheer for their team, Morocco fans appear to do it for the opposite reason. Essentially, whistling serves as the fans’ form of booing — when they’re unhappy with an opponent, their coach or the referees, the loud hissing can be heard.

Whistling can also serve as an effective tactic for fans to disrupt opponents’ communication on the pitch, serving as a “12th man” of sorts that can help Morocco’s team at times.

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What is the Viking clap Morocco fans do?

Outside of whistling, Morocco’s fans are also known for their “Viking clap” chants.

The chant begins with silence, but once they get a signal to start, the entire fanbase will clap their arms out in front of their bodies while chanting “SIR!” which means “go” in the Moroccan dialect of Arabic known as Darija.

The “Viking clap” can also create plenty of distractions for opposing teams, as it then gets louder and faster.

Morocco Fans hitting the “Sir!” Clap 🔥#FIFAWORLDCUP pic.twitter.com/6a2cXeQXDV

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 4, 2026

Morocco history at the World Cup

At the 2026 World Cup, Morocco is making its seventh all-time appearance — and the country has now had two of its best runs in consecutive tournaments.

First making a World Cup bid in 1970, Morocco advanced past the group stage for the first time in 1986, but it wasn’t until 2022 that the nation made some serious noise in the knockout round.

After reaching the semifinals but losing to France in 2022, Morocco is now matched up against France once again in the 2026 quarterfinals.