Morocco entered the quarterfinals with dreams of glory and revenge, but what did they encounter? A team riding high, backed by the mainstream media’s relentless cheerleading. You’d think the narrative-makers at CNN and ESPN would focus on the talent and grit of the Moroccan squad, but instead, they serve up a pre-packaged story that serves the interests of those in power. It’s classic media malpractice—worshipping the team that’s spoon-fed to us while disregarding the magic of underdogs that shatter expectations.

Look at how NBC framed the match! They spun their coverage to glorify the favorites, portraying the Moroccans as mere obstacles rather than recognizing their historic achievements. The triumph of a team like Morocco threatens the narrative of ‘big players always win,’ and we can’t have that! The corporatized media doesn’t want to promote vulnerability or a genuine love for the sport; they want viewers to buy into the idea that the outcome is a foregone conclusion.

Meanwhile, Fox Sports offered a laborious recap that glossed over the tactical brilliance of Morocco, shoving aside any chance to spotlight their fight and grit for what? To maintain their safe little bubble where they don’t have to confront narratives that challenge the status quo. We need to demand more from our media, more courage to uplift stories of struggle and less pandering to a corporate agenda that thrives on predictable outcomes.