For many Morocco football supporters, the 2026 FIFA World Cup was expected to be another proud moment in a long history of following the Atlas Lions across the globe.
Instead, it has become a source of frustration and disappointment, after dozens of fans were denied entry visas to the United States.
At least 40 supporters, all part of a well-organised travelling group, have reportedly been refused visas despite months of preparation, confirmed travel plans, and significant financial commitments.
The decision has left many stranded with unusable match tickets, hotel reservations and non-refundable travel arrangements.
The rejections were issued without clear explanations, according to the supporters involved, adding to their sense of confusion and disappointment.
The Sports Association of Moroccan National Team Fans, a long-established supporters’ group known for coordinating fan travel to major tournaments, was particularly affected. Out of 42 applicants, 40 were rejected.
Members of the group applied from several Moroccan cities, including Casablanca, Marrakech, Fès and Tétouan, expecting smooth approval based on their travel history and previous attendance at international tournaments.
Speaking on behalf of the group, its head Azzedine Al Attaraoui said:
“No clear reasons were given for the visa refusals.”
“We just want to support our national team.”
According to Hespress English, Al Attaraoui also revealed that many fans had already made costly arrangements before receiving their visa decisions.
Some hotel bookings reportedly ranged between $400 and $1,000 per night, while total expenses for certain supporters reached up to 20,000 Moroccan dirhams, covering accommodation, travel, tickets and administrative costs.
Many of those affected are seasoned supporters who have previously followed Morocco to major tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the 2022 edition in Qatar, and even the Paris Olympics.
Their consistent record of returning home after each event, organisers say, demonstrates strong ties to Morocco.
The visa refusals are believed to have been issued under Section 214, a provision used when consular officers are not convinced that applicants intend to return to their home country.
Supporters’ representatives have strongly rejected this interpretation, insisting that their members have stable lives in Morocco, long-standing employment, and no history of overstaying visas.
Beyond the immediate disappointment, the situation has exposed wider logistical challenges. The fan association estimates that at least 30 coordinators would normally be required to properly organise supporter travel and stadium atmosphere on the scale seen during previous tournaments such as Qatar 2022.
There is also frustration over perceived inconsistency, with fans pointing out that Moroccan authorities have previously facilitated smoother visa processes for supporters travelling to other international competitions, including youth tournaments in Chile.
Now, many supporters say they feel excluded from an event they have helped define through their presence, colour and energy in past competitions.
For Moroccan football culture, the impact is significant.
The country’s supporters have gained global recognition for their passionate and vibrant backing, particularly during the 2022 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Behind the statistics are personal stories of sacrifice, families who saved for months, individuals who planned entire trips around Morocco’s group matches, and volunteers who invest time and resources to support national football abroad.
