Supporters of Morocco’s national football team are traveling considerable distances and incurring substantial expenses to attend World Cup matches, highlighting the financial barriers faced by many fans eager to witness their team on the global stage. At the New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday, a diverse group of Moroccan supporters had gathered to watch Morocco take on Brazil, reflecting both the country’s rising prominence in international football and the steep costs associated with attending such events.

Among the attendees was Kamal Ait El Hadj, a 47-year-old villa builder from Marrakech, who described his trip as a “minimum” requirement to support Morocco after the team’s strong performances in the 2022 World Cup and recent African Cup of Nations. Despite holding a free ticket, Ait El Hadj spent approximately $5,000 on travel and accommodations for the match and planned to spend an additional $5,000 to attend a subsequent knockout-stage game. Similarly, other fans reported expenses ranging from $6,000 for group-stage matches to $15,000 for families planning to attend multiple games, underscoring the significant financial commitment required to follow the team abroad.

These figures starkly contrast with Morocco’s estimated average annual salary of less than $7,400, emphasizing that only relatively affluent citizens can afford to witness their national team live at such prestigious tournaments. Salma Sebti, who traveled with her husband and daughter from Marrakech, expressed hope for Morocco’s continued success while acknowledging the high costs involved. Her family owns a petrol station and expects to spend at least $15,000 on their trip.

Travelers reported smooth entries into the United States, though some faced lengthy immigration waits of up to three hours. The fans uniformly voiced strong confidence in Morocco’s footballing prowess, considering their team the rightful champions of Africa. The North African nation, which has invested heavily in sporting infrastructure and international football development, has emerged as a dominant force on the continent. Morocco is slated to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, becoming only the second African and Arab country to do so after South Africa in 2010 and Qatar in 2022, respectively.

For many Moroccans, attending this World Cup serves as both an expression of national pride and a preview of the grandeur they aim to deliver as hosts. One fan working in the travel industry anticipated spending up to $10,000 over the 10-day tournament and described this edition as “an appetiser” for 2030. Mohammed Smouni, deputy director general of Morocco’s national railway and a five-time World Cup attendee, attended the New Jersey match with his son, who had traveled from Montreal. Thanks to a gift of tickets and shared accommodation, Smouni’s expenses were significantly lower, illustrating the varying economic realities within the fan community.

Nevertheless, even among those attending matches, the financial burden remains a significant challenge. “Not everyone can afford it,” Ait El Hadj said, reflecting a common understanding that the opportunity to experience World Cup football firsthand remains out of reach for the majority of Moroccan citizens.