The Moroccan national football team arrived in the United States on Wednesday, where it will participate in the 2026 World Cup jointly organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Atlas Lions are thus beginning the last phase of their preparation before entering the competition.
When they got off the plane at Newark Liberty International Airport, the Moroccan players were received by the Moroccan Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, as well as by the Consul General of the Kingdom in New York, Mohamed Aït Bihi.
Many members of the Moroccan community residing in the United States were also present to welcome the Moroccan internationals. The supporters showed their enthusiasm and sent their encouragement to Achraf Hakimi’s teammates a few days before the start of the world football event.
A team driven by great ambitions
Speaking to the press, Youssef Amrani underlined the pride of receiving the national selection at a period marked by the celebration of the 250th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Morocco and the United States.
The ambassador estimated that the Moroccan team is approaching this World Cup with confidence and ambition, relying on a generation of talented players as well as on the remarkable performances achieved during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Read also:2026 World Cup: the Atlas Lions leave for the United States
The diplomat also highlighted the progress made by national football in recent years. According to him, these results reflect a long-term development policy, illustrated in particular by the role of the Mohammed VI Football Academy in the training of young talents.
He recalled that Morocco is also preparing to host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, an event which testifies to the growing place of the Kingdom on the international football scene.
Youssef Amrani wanted to salute the American authorities for the measures put in place to facilitate the arrival of the Moroccan delegation. He notably mentioned the measures taken in terms of immigration and customs formalities, allowing the team and its technical support to be welcomed in the best conditions.
A base camp set up in New Jersey
For this competition, the Atlas Lions chose to establish their base camp at the Pingry School, in the state of New Jersey. This site will serve as a preparation and concentration center throughout the initial phase of the tournament.
This location also offers the advantage of proximity to several infrastructures called to host World Cup matches, thus facilitating travel for the Moroccan selection.
Placed in Group C, Morocco will have to face strong opponents during the first round. Mohamed Ouahbi’s men will successively face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in the hope of qualifying for the knockout phase.
Before officially starting their global campaign, the Atlas Lions will play a final preparation match against Norway on Sunday. This meeting will allow the technical staff to make the final adjustments before the start of the competition.
