World Cup 2026: Moroccan fans seek FIFA help over US visa rejections

A growing number of Moroccan football fans have expressed frustration after being denied visas to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The issue has sparked concern among supporters eager to watch the Atlas Lions in action, with many claiming they followed all the necessary procedures but were still unable to secure travel authorisation.

Fans Call on FIFA to Intervene

President of the Moroccan National Team Supporters Association, Azzedine Al Attraoui, has appealed to FIFA to step in and assist affected fans.

According to Al Attraoui, many supporters purchased official World Cup ticket packages and submitted the required documentation as instructed before applying for visas.

“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 explained that supporters invested significant sums in ticket packages, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,500, in addition to visa application fees.

“They went to the embassy, paid visa fees, but were shocked to be denied visas. Why? No explanation,” he said.

Al Attraoui further revealed that he was among more than 40 supporters who applied for visas in hopes of travelling to the tournament.

“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.”

Visa Controversy Extends Beyond Supporters

The situation has drawn increased attention to the US Embassy in Rabat, with critics questioning the reasons behind a number of visa refusals linked to the World Cup.

The controversy intensified after reports emerged that Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahdi was initially denied a visa despite being named in the country’s official 26-man squad for the tournament.

According to reports, concerns were raised that factors unrelated to the player’s football career may have influenced the decision. A source cited by Morocco World News suggested that aspects of his family’s appearance, including his father’s beard, may have been questioned during the process.

However, the issue was later resolved after intervention from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, leading to the approval of El Ouahdi’s visa.

Atlas Lions Continue World Cup Preparations

While the visa saga continues to dominate discussions among supporters, Morocco’s national team remains focused on preparations for the World Cup.

The Atlas Lions arrived in the United States earlier this week and are set to play Norway in their final friendly match before the tournament begins.

Morocco will kick off its World Cup campaign against Brazil on June 13 before facing Scotland and Haiti in Group C as the North Africans look to make another memorable impact on the world stage.