Rabat – Many Moroccan fans are frustrated over US visa denials, as aspirations were high among many supporters who had the ambition to travel to the US to watch the Atlas Lions live during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Azzedine Al Attraoui, the Moroccan National Team Supporters Association President, has conveyed Moroccans’ plea urging FIFA to intervene amid US visa denials.
“Many Moroccan fans have applied for US visas to go cheer on the Atlas Lions, but many have had their visa applications denied,” Al Attraoui told Al Jazeera.
He added that all fans who applied followed FIFA instructions, providing proof of three-match packages, with each package costing around $500 or $1,500.
“They went to the embassy, paid visa fees, but were shocked to be denied visas. Why? No explanation,” he said.
The Moroccan fan emphasized that he and more than 40 fans “who have a passion for football went to apply for visas.”
“We are demanding FIFA and its president, who is in charge of fans and the World Cup, to intervene, as many Moroccan fans want to go and cannot stay behind, as they have responsibilities at home, including their children and jobs.”
The US embassy in Rabat has been under scrutiny for unjustified visa denials, especially amid the World Cup.
One of the latest controversies emerged when reports suggested that the US embassy went as far as denying a visa for Zakaria El Ouahdi, one of the football players called up as part of the official 26-player squad by coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
Earlier this week, a source confirmed the news to Morocco World News (MWN), stating that there are concerns that the issue may have been influenced by factors unrelated to the player’s professional status, including alleged reasons linked to his family’s appearance.
The source specifically suggested that the player’s father’s appearance, including his “beard,” may have raised questions during the process.
A day after the news of his visa denial, reports emphasized El Ouahdi received approval after the intervention of Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF).
Morocco’s Atlas Lions arrived in the United States earlier this week, taking part in preparatory campaigns for the World Cup and their final friendly against Norway.
The Atlas Lions will play against Norway today at 8 p.m. Moroccan time.
The game comes a few days ahead of the World Cup kickoff, which is scheduled for June 11.
Morocco’s first World Cup match will take place on June 13, when the national team will face Brazil.
The Atlas Lions will also play against Scotland and Haiti as part of Group C in the group stage.
