Moroccan Fans Lose 40 U.S. Visas for Ivory Coast World Cup Push
Forty members of a Moroccan supporters association were denied United States visas ahead of the 2026 World Cup, leaving a planned trip for ivory coast-linked tournament support in doubt for the group. Azzedine Al Attaraoui, who heads the Sports Association of Moroccan National Team Fans, said 40 of 42 applicants from Casablanca, Marrakech, Fès and Tétouan were refused without explanation.
Al Attaraoui said some fans had already bought tickets for up to three matches at around $500 each, with some spending $1,500 on tickets alone. Others had paid visa fees of 1,800 MAD and booked hotels costing between $400 and $1,000 per night, while some total expenses reached 20,000 MAD covering tickets, visas, travel and paperwork.
Azzedine Al Attaraoui’s appeal
Al Attaraoui said, “No clear reasons were given for the visa refusals.” He added, “We just want to support our national team.” He also said, “Some had bought tickets for up to three matches at around $500 each, totaling $1,500, in addition to visa fees of 1,800 MAD.”
Al Attaraoui called on FIFA to intervene over the visa issue and urged Morocco’s Foreign Ministry to help facilitate the fans’ travel. He also said, “If they asked for financial guarantees, we would do that.”
Sbouaa coordinators face cuts
Mourad Hamana, founder of the Sbouaa supporters group, said several members of his group were also denied U.S. visas. Hamana said nearly 50 group coordinators applied and only six were approved, adding, “To organize thousands of fans, six people is a very small number.”
Hamana said at least 30 coordinators would be needed to create the atmosphere Moroccan fans are known for at tournaments. He also said many applicants were refused under Section 214, and added, “All of us have stable situations in Morocco and no intention of migrating.”
Morocco seeks help
Hamana called on Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to intervene, and said Moroccan authorities had previously helped facilitate visas for supporters travelling to Chile to back Morocco’s U20 national team. The practical effect is immediate for the fans who paid first and were refused later: their travel plans, organizer pool and match attendance are all reduced before the tournament even begins.
