“It feels like the entire world stops what they’re doing to follow what’s happening at the tournament. It’s wonderful to have a competition that can bring so many people together.” We are living in uncertain times filled with conflicts and global crises. The world is divided. The FIFA World Cup, through the power of football will bring people together to cross borders, unite and celebrate together. Football Unites the World will be a global movement to inspire, unite and develop through football.

FIFA Legends have shared their stories of how football united their respective countries during uncertain times. With the much-anticipated kick-off to Qatar 2022 just around the corner, we took a trip down memory lane with Morocco’s Medhi Benatia. Morocco had to endure a 20-year wait before returning to football’s greatest stage, at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018™. The Atlas Lions needed all of their talent and character to put two decades of shattered dreams, disappointment and doubt behind them and qualify for Qatar 2022. They required players willing to give their all, players like Medhi Benatia.

Captain of his national side from 2013 to 2019, the former centre-back, who pulled on the jerseys of Roma, Juventus and Bayern Munich during an illustrious club career, played a key role in Morocco’s qualification for Russia 2018. And while the North Africans were unable to advance past the group stage once they got there, they certainly did not look out of their depth, particularly in their third and final match, an entertaining 2-2 draw with Spain.

“Even though we got knocked out, it was an incredible experience,” recalled Benatia. “I’ll never forget our qualifying campaign. There was a huge amount of pressure on our shoulders, but by working together we did what needed to be done. We managed to make our fans and our people proud through hard work and desire.”

And that momentum continued through to the subsequent campaign, at the culmination of which the Moroccans booked a berth in Qatar, but without Benatia, who announced his retirement in 2021. “The World Cup is the most anticipated and most watched event on the planet,” he said. “It feels like the entire world stops what they’re doing to follow what’s happening at the tournament. It’s wonderful to have a competition that can bring so many people together.” Now an enthusiastic supporter, Benatia certainly has no intention of missing out on Morocco’s progress at Qatar 2022. “Four years ago, each match was a chance for everyone – young and old, rich and poor – to head out into the streets wearing their jerseys and waving their flags,” he said. “It was one big celebration – everyone was in the cafes with their families, watching the games on giant screens. It was fantastic, and I’m happy that it’s going to be just like that again.”