Morocco at the FIFA World Cup 2026: The Atlas Lions Ready to Roar Again

If a 2022 FIFA World Cup story captured the imagination of the footballing world, it is that of Morocco. For the first time in World Cup history an African nation as well as an Arab nation has made it to the semi-finals, taking out Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. It has been a beautiful, tactically intelligent, and highly spirited display that saw an entire nation of thirty-seven million people pause while millions of Moroccans living abroad in Europe, North America, and the Arab world rejoiced and united. Morocco did not stumble into the semi-finals in Qatar; it was an achievement.

Fast forward four years and Walid Regragui's squad have gone to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America with something their 2022 team didn't, which is expectation and experience. They know exactly what it takes to be successful at the highest level, and Morocco can no longer be regarded as a surprise team, a reality the footballing world is well-aware of. After the fantastic displays of atmosphere the Moroccan fans put on in Qatar, supporters would be advised to purchase their World Cup 2026 Tickets now because demand for Atlas Lions fixtures is among the strongest of any non-European side in the tournament.

Can Morocco Go Further Than the Semi-Finals in 2026?

The case for Morocco has improved since the tournament last time around with their standout player Achraf Hakimi, one of the best right-backs in world football, remains the team's most recognisable individual talent. Sofyan Amrabat, who had his breakout tournament in Qatar and has continued to improve as one of the most effective defensive midfielders in Europe, and with Hakim Ziyech still in a good place to deliver magic.

In terms of collective ability, however, it is Regragui's side that makes the case. The team are a unit that knows how to press, organise themselves well in defence and are ruthless in transition. They are difficult to break down and clinical when their chances arrive. It will be a forty-eight team tournament at this year's World Cup, a tournament that will include a round of 32, and while Morocco may not have the quality of an individual player on display, the way they grind results with discipline rather than skill will go a long way to their survival. A quarter-final is a conservative projection for this team, but don't be surprised if they go all the way to the final. Yes, it's a football debate.

What Moroccan Fans Need to Know About Entry Requirements

The requirements for entry to North America are not uniform across the three countries; start preparing early!

USA: Moroccans are not part of the Visa Waiver Program for the United States of America. So Moroccans need a US B-1/B-2 tourist visa for entry. The US Department of State has a dedicated website to help with the visa application process (including the required documents and processing time) for those travelling to the United States for the World Cup at state.gov/fifa-world-cup-26-visas. Currently, there are high numbers of appointments with US consulates and embassies in Rabat and Casablanca. Those looking to travel to the US and haven't applied for a visa yet, please make it a priority! The DS-160 form, a valid passport, financial documentation and proof of accommodation and return flights to Morocco will all be needed.

Canada: Moroccans need a visitor visa for Canada. However, those holding a current US visa can apply for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) if they fly, subject to the rules outlined by the Government of Canada. There is also a growing Moroccan and North African population in Canada especially in Montreal and Toronto that you might consider for travel and accommodation needs if routing through Canada.

Mexico: Moroccans don't need a visa for Mexico and are able to stay for up to 180 days. You'll be able to reach Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. This means if you don't already have a US visa, you have a great option for accommodation and to spend the opening week and the first few rounds of the knockout rounds in Mexico.

A Guide to Match Day Locations: Where Moroccan Fans Should Go

It's anticipated that the group stage fixtures will be played at a number of host venues in the United States. The knockout stages could also see the Atlas Lions at MetLife in New Jersey, SoFi in Los Angeles, Hard Rock in Miami and AT&T in Dallas. The World Cup Final is at MetLife in New Jersey on 19 July.

New York/New Jersey: The East coast of the United States, especially New York, is home to one of the largest communities in the United States for Moroccans and North Africans. Many people also live in Paterson and Jersey City which is very close to New York. So New Jersey/New York is a great option to go if you like the idea of staying near fellow Moroccans and North Africans for the knockout stages.

Miami is an exciting destination with a strong connection and culture with North Africans. The Hard Rock Stadium is one of the most vibrant stadiums on the host city roster and Miami is an interesting, international town that will allow Moroccans to find a great community during match days.

Los Angeles boasts a vibrant Moroccan and Arab-American demographic, and SoFi Stadium delivers a top-tier match-day environment. With its deep global connections and diverse makeup, you'll discover traditional cuisine, close-knit neighborhoods, and cultural touchpoints across Los Angeles that will put you right at home.

Accommodation: Where to Stay

Beyond these logistical considerations, accommodations near the stadiums are selling out in advance. Here is advice to follow based on the location of your matches:

New York and New Jersey: To get to MetLife Stadium quickly, choose to stay in East Rutherford and Secaucus. If you would prefer to be closer to the culture and Moroccan community, stay in Paterson, New Jersey, which has one of the largest Moroccan communities in the United States. For the full New York experience, albeit with a premium price tag, stay in Manhattan — a NJ Transit train takes you from there to MetLife in time for kick-off on match days.

Miami region: Hotels in Aventura, Doral, and Brickell are all great choices if you want to be near Hard Rock Stadium, and Miami's outstanding food and cultural scenes will not disappoint. Those looking to move around on foot between matches will prefer to stay in downtown Miami.

Los Angeles: SoFi Stadium is located in Inglewood. The closest practical places to stay are El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, and Marina del Rey, all connected to the stadium via the Metro K Line.

Dallas: Arlington is the location of AT&T Stadium, and it is halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth. Arlington is a solid spot to base yourself for the match days; but downtown Dallas will be more suitable if your trip is longer, especially since it is richer in restaurants and entertainment venues.

Always go with sites that allow free cancellations when booking accommodations — Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others — especially once you know which cities Morocco will play in during the knockout rounds, as they may differ greatly from those on the group-stage schedule.

Arrival: Flights and Connecting Flights

Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca (CMN) is the biggest airport in Morocco, and from there you can take direct flights to New York and Miami or connecting flights to Los Angeles and Dallas. Several international airlines (Royal Air Maroc, Air France, Iberia, American Airlines) will take you all over the US, so there will be no lack of options. Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and Rabat–Salé Airport (RBA) are also departure options available for Moroccan fans who want to fly from cities further south or in the middle of Morocco.

Prices to the United States and vice versa have already skyrocketed, and are expected to continue to go up as the World Cup approaches, so get your reservations ready as soon as possible. If you plan on traveling between US cities to attend multiple games, Southwest Airlines, Delta, and American offer multiple flights connecting to all eleven stadiums. Allow for at least one buffer day between each game, especially if you'll be in a different city for each.

Tickets: The Only Real Issue

Go to FIFA.com to reserve tickets for the World Cup. There you will find information on how to purchase any remaining tickets, resold tickets from FIFA, hospitality packages, and more. Should this process be unsuccessful, do not resort to using other sources like subreddits, Facebook groups, or other social media forums to buy tickets. Instead, buy your seats through official resellers like Ticombo, Seatpick, or other verified and reliable resellers of tickets, which will provide you with guaranteed tickets. The cost might exceed face value in the secondary market. Group purchasers should be mindful of how they book — seats are not always next to each other, and different stadiums seat their fans in different ways.

Useful Advice for Moroccan Fans

Money: All stadiums and host cities are fully USD. Skip airport exchange desks and use ATMs or Wise. The exchange rates will be way better when converting from Moroccan Dirham.

SIMs: Moroccan carriers (Maroc Telecom, Orange Morocco) don't have US roaming at a competitive rate. Your best options are an eSIM (Airalo) or a temporary tourist SIM (T-Mobile).

Health insurance: The USA has no public healthcare for visitors; you need health travel insurance that includes medical coverage before you leave home.

Embassy: You will find Moroccan consulates in major US cities like New York, DC, LA, Miami, and Houston; save their contact details before departing.

Ramadan and prayer: If matches coincide with the Islamic calendar, they could clash with religious obligations, though major US cities like LA, New York, Miami, and Dallas have ample mosques and halal options to accommodate their Muslim populations.

Climate: July in Miami and Dallas will be scorching, but Los Angeles is warm and dry. The humidity in Miami will really surprise you; keep water handy in outdoor fan zones.

Thoughts to Leave You With

With this being the journey from Qatar's surprise run in 2022 to the final four, to the possibility of deep success this time round, it is hard to think of many stories that have taken more fans by storm. Morocco have the team, they have the chemistry, and they have the conviction to do what no African nation has managed before. For the Moroccan diaspora, this tournament is set in North America, open, inclusive, with many of the host cities culturally familiar, making it the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience.

For those who wish to witness the drama unfold from the stands, it's time to take action. Morocco World Cup 2026 Tickets are flying off the virtual shelves. As the tournament draws nearer, opportunities to snag them through reputable vendors are dwindling.

Atlas Lions are arriving. This time, they're after bigger fish.

Please note that visa rules, lodging conditions, flight pricing, and ticket guidelines are open to change. Ensure you check your travel details through your government, FIFA, and your airline, while secondary market ticket prices can exceed face values.