Rabat – Moroccan footballer Zakaria El Ouahdi has finally received a US visa, allowing him to join the Atlas Lions’ preparatory camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The development comes after several days of uncertainty following reports that the player had initially been denied a visa despite being called up to the national team for the tournament.
The shocking development came after the football player was unable to take flight with the Moroccan delegation on Wednesday due to visa complications.
A source familiar with the dossier also confirmed to Morocco World News (MWN) the news, stating that the situation is being handled through Casablanca after difficulties with the visa process in Belgium, where El Ouahdi is based professionally.
The case comes amid high spirits and ambition from fans and the Atlas Lions, who seek to roar again and make history again at the upcoming World Cup.
El Ouahdi’s case sparked attention in Moroccan media, which questioned the reasons behind the initial refusal and reported that intervention from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) helped resolve the issue and secure the player’s travel authorization.
Morocco’s Atlas Lions arrived in the United States this morning, carrying fans’ hopes and prayers to see the national team achieve a milestone again in this year’s tournament.
Many reports see them moving forward in the tournament and advancing in their group stage.
Opta, a sports analytics company, recalled Morocco’s 2022 FIFA World Cup and stressed that it is impossible to ignore the historic run the Atlas Lions conducted in Qatar.
“The Atlas Lions relied heavily on their defensive solidarity to achieve their resounding feat,” Opta said, recalling that Morocco defeated powerhouses like Portugal and Spain.
The sports-based website said its supercomputer predicts Morocco has an 88.8% chance of advancing from their group and a 10.3% chance of reaching the final four once again.
Morocco is in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.
Morocco will play its first match against Brazil on June 13, followed by Scotland’s game on June 19, and Haiti on June 24.
