By Latifa Babas
With Morocco set to face Brazil in its World Cup opener, some of the Atlas Lions’ most dedicated supporters fear they may not make it to the United States. Visa rejections are casting uncertainty over months of preparations for Sboua.
In just a few days, Morocco will face Brazil in its highly anticipated opening match of the 2026 World Cup in New Jersey. While excitement is building among supporters, frustration is mounting for many fans who have been unable to secure visas to travel to the United States.
Among those affected are members of Sboua, one of Morocco’s best-known supporter groups, which has accompanied the Atlas Lions at major tournaments and qualifiers in recent years.
«More than 100 of our members couldn’t secure visas to the United States», the group’s capo, or leader, Abdellah Falih, told Yabiladi. Falih himself was among those whose visa applications were rejected.
«I had everything prepared: match tickets, hotel bookings, everything. It never even crossed my mind that my application would be rejected», he said.
Beyond the disappointment, supporters are also facing significant financial losses. «Match tickets cost more than $300 to $400, depending on the game. We bought them on the resale market, not through FIFA», Falih explained. Added to that are hotel reservations, flights, and other travel expenses. «It is not a small amount of money», he said.
Many people sacrificed a lot to raise the money needed to buy plane tickets and match tickets. For us, this is a priority», he added.
Yet for Sboua, the financial burden is not the main concern. What worries members most is the prospect of not being in the stands to support the national team. According to Falih, the majority of the group’s core members may miss the tournament because of visa issues.
«Around 70% of the members who usually provide the experience and know-how behind our support and chants will not be able to attend», he regretted.
The group will instead rely on members based abroad. «We have members living in Europe who hold dual nationality, making it easier for them to travel to the United States», Falih noted. «We also have members based in the United States and Canada who will represent us and help lead the support».
Despite the setbacks, Sboua has not given up hope. With only days remaining before Morocco’s opening match, preparations are continuing.
«In my mind, we are still going to the United States. We have not even halted our preparations», Falih said.
Having attended the last two World Cups as well as four AFCON tournaments, Sboua members say they cannot «imagine not being there for the Atlas Lions at this World Cup».
«We are not there simply to watch the matches. We are there to guide the fans, create an atmosphere and support the Atlas Lions the way they deserve», he concluded.
For now, the group continues to coordinate with members already in the United States, hoping the situation may still change before kickoff.
