World Cup 2026: Zakaria El Ouahdi cleared to join Morocco camp after resolving visa issue

Morocco international Zakaria El Ouahdi is set to link up with the Atlas Lions in the United States after successfully obtaining a visa ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The development ends days of uncertainty surrounding the defender’s participation in the tournament after reports emerged that he had initially encountered difficulties securing travel authorisation.

Visa Problem Finally Resolved

El Ouahdi was unable to travel with the Moroccan delegation on Wednesday after visa complications prevented him from boarding the flight to the United States. The situation quickly became a major talking point among Moroccan supporters and media outlets, with concerns growing over the player’s availability for the World Cup.

According to a source familiar with the matter, efforts were made through Casablanca to resolve the issue after challenges emerged during the visa application process in Belgium, where the player currently plies his trade. The intervention ultimately proved successful, allowing El Ouahdi to receive the necessary clearance to travel.

Federation Steps In

The case attracted significant attention in Morocco, with reports suggesting that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation played a key role in helping secure the player’s travel authorisation. Questions had been raised regarding the reasons behind the initial visa refusal, but the matter has now been settled ahead of Morocco’s World Cup campaign.

The positive outcome comes at a time when excitement continues to build among supporters, who are hoping to see the Atlas Lions produce another memorable run on football’s biggest stage.

High Expectations for Atlas Lions

Morocco’s squad arrived in the United States on Thursday as preparations intensify for the tournament. Confidence remains high following the team’s historic achievements at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

Sports analytics company Opta recently reflected on Morocco’s remarkable campaign in Qatar, highlighting the defensive discipline that helped the team overcome some of the world’s strongest football nations.

“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.

Opta’s supercomputer predicts Morocco has an 88.8 percent chance of progressing from the group stage and a 10.3 percent chance of reaching the semi-finals once again.

World Cup Group and Fixtures

Morocco have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. Their World Cup journey will begin against Brazil on June 13 before taking on Scotland on June 19. The Atlas Lions will conclude their group stage campaign with a clash against Haiti on June 24.