Unprecedented Circumstances for Moroccan Cafés
The 2026 World Cup is set to commence under unusual circumstances for Moroccan café owners, who are experiencing a tournament like no other. With matches scheduled for late-night hours and uncertainty regarding operational timings, many café proprietors are opting to scale back their preparations, despite the palpable excitement surrounding the Atlas Lions. This World Cup represents a significant shift, being hosted across three different countries for the very first time, placing matches in time zones that are six to nine hours behind Morocco.
For café owners in Morocco, this situation presents a considerable challenge. Noureddine El Harrak, the president of the National Federation of Café and Restaurant Owners of Morocco (FNPCR), conveyed the concerns faced by the sector. He remarked, "We usually rely on major sporting events to help revive the sector, but unfortunately that will not really be the case for this World Cup." The crux of the issue lies in the significant time difference, with most tournament matches occurring deep into the night, often at 3 a.m. or even 5 a.m. Moroccan time, making it very difficult for café staff and owners to accommodate these hours.
Impact on Fan Engagement and Café Operations
This challenge extends beyond just late match times; it also impacts the overall operational hours of cafés and restaurants. El Harrak noted that, as of now, no official directives have been issued by local authorities regarding opening hours, yet there appears to be an implicit understanding. "Meetings have taken place between local authorities and branches of our federation in various provinces, encouraging café owners to broadcast World Cup matches and remain open later than usual," he stated.
On a more positive note, Morocco's group-stage matches are scheduled at more manageable hours. El Harrak pointed out that these matches will begin at 11 p.m. and conclude around 1 a.m., allowing most cafés to operate during these times. However, the overall excitement typically associated with international tournaments has been somewhat subdued due to the scheduling complications. In previous tournaments, café owners would go to great lengths to prepare their establishments, investing in decorations and new televisions, but this year, such enthusiasm appears largely absent.
Despite these challenges, El Harrak remains hopeful. He mentioned that cafés are primarily preparing for the Atlas Lions' group matches, with plans for special menus and promotional offers to entice fans. He believes that a successful run by Morocco could significantly uplift the spirits of both café owners and football enthusiasts. "Football holds a special place in people’s hearts. If the Atlas Lions advance, cafés will stay open even for those early morning matches," he expressed.
Furthermore, he emphasized the federation's stance against unfair price hikes during major sporting events, advocating for a spirit of joy and celebration rather than exploitation. Regarding broadcasting, El Harrak confirmed that most café owners will subscribe to paid packages from beIN SPORTS, which will include special World Cup offerings. Additionally, Morocco's national broadcaster will air the Atlas Lions' matches, ensuring that fans have ample access to support their team.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
