Morocco: Fans face World Cup visa heartbreak.

Shotlist Rabat, Morocco - Recent (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 1. Various of airport Morocco - Date Unknown (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 2. National flags of Morocco, United States Rabat, Morocco - Recent (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic, dubbed in English) Mustapha Ziad, team Morocco supporter (ending with shots 4-5): "We are used to seeing the supporters in the stands, bringing their traditions, chants, and atmosphere. Moroccan fans are passionate and have always been a strong presence. We hope to see the same in the United States, with these supporters willing to spend money and able to attend. We also hope the authorities will show some flexibility and take initiatives to facilitate the procedures, making it easier for fans to obtain visas." 4. Various of airport 5. Various of cheering team Morocco fans 6. Various of travelers outside airport 7. Plane taxiing 8. SOUNDBITE (Arabic, dubbed in English) Hicham Elmanati, team Morocco supporter: "These players are our sons, and the fans are the 12th player. Our supporters stand behind the team and play their part alongside it. It's disappointing and unfair to be refused a visa simply for wanting to watch a football match and cheer for your country." 9. Various of team Morocco fans 10. Various of football fan club building 11. Various of airport, travelers, flight information 12. SOUNDBITE (Arabic, dubbed in English) Said Rebati, member of Atlas Lions Rabat Fan Group (ending with shot 13): "The Moroccan community from across the world is eager to travel and support the national team. Why are we being denied visas to attend football matches? We are proud of our team and of the supporters' groups that back the Atlas Lions. Why is there such disregard for the fans?" New Jersey, United States - Recent (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 13. Various of team Morocco in training Rabat, Morocco - Recent (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 14. SOUNDBITE (Arabic, dubbed in English) Ahmed El Bouhassani, reporter, Aldar.ma (starting with shot 13/partially overlaid with shots 15-16/ending with shot 17): "Here in Morocco, most fans have suffered from this visa issue. We have seen several supporters' groups whose visa applications were rejected. This is a problem that is perhaps occurring for the first time on such a scale. Football is built around its fans; they are what give the game its beauty and atmosphere. These early organizational signs suggest that we may be heading toward one of the worst editions of the tournament in terms of fan participation and access." ++SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 15. Gathering football fans 16. Cityscape ++SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 17. Various of team Morocco fans 18. National flag of Morocco Storyline Hundreds of passionate supporters of Atlas Lions, Morocco's national football team, are facing difficulties in obtaining visas to travel to the United States to cheer on their side despite already spending thousands of U.S. dollars on travel plans to North America. For decades, Moroccan supporters have followed their national team around the world. But ahead of the 2026 World Cup, many fear they could miss the tournament after their visa applications to the U.S. were rejected. "We are used to seeing the supporters in the stands, bringing their traditions, chants, and atmosphere. Moroccan fans are passionate and have always been a strong presence. We hope to see the same in the United States, with these supporters willing to spend money and able to attend. We also hope the authorities will show some flexibility and take initiatives to facilitate the procedures, making it easier for fans to obtain visas," said Mustapha Ziad, a team Morocco supporter. Many fans have already spent money on flights, accommodation, and paperwork. Now, some face losing the investment by not being able to attend the World Cup. "These players are our sons, and the fans are the 12th player. Our supporters stand behind the team and play their part alongside it. It's disappointing and unfair to be refused a visa simply for wanting to watch a football match and cheer for your country," said Hicham Elmanati, another supporter. The Sports Association of Moroccan National Team Fans says 40 of its 42 applicants were denied visas. Another supporters' group, Sbouaa, says only six out of 50 applications were approved. "The Moroccan community from across the world is eager to travel and support the national team. Why are we being denied visas to attend football matches? We are proud of our team and of the supporters' groups that back the Atlas Lions. Why is there such disregard for the fans?" said Said Rebati, a member of the Atlas Lions Rabat Fan Group. Observers warn difficulties faced by traveling fans risk overshadowing the tournament experience and could affect the atmosphere of the biggest football event. "Here in Morocco, most fans