Atlas Lions arrive in the United States for the 2026 World Cup
via Le Matin2 min read
The Atlas Lions, Morocco's national football team, have arrived in the United States for the 2026 World Cup. They were welcomed at Newark Liberty International Airport by Youssef Amrani, the Moroccan Ambassador to the United States, and Mohamed Aït Bihi, the Kingdom's Consul General in New York, along with numerous Moroccan expatriates. Ambassador Amrani expressed his honor in welcoming the team, noting that their arrival coincides with the 250th anniversary of bilateral relations between Rabat and Washington. He highlighted the team's ambition, fueled by their impressive performance at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, attributing their success to the clear vision of His Majesty the King, particularly through the Mohammed VI Football Academy. Amrani also mentioned Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. He thanked US federal and local authorities for their support in facilitating the team's entry. The Atlas Lions have set up their base camp at the Pingry School in New Jersey, a strategic location near tournament venues. Morocco is in Group C and will face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in the group stage. Before the tournament, they will play a final friendly match against Norway. Zakaria El Ouahdi was unable to travel due to visa issues, and Ali Maamar, a young defender from Anderlecht, has been called up as a reinforcement if the situation persists.
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