Visa Crisis Threatens Zakaria Al-Wahdi's Participation with Morocco in the World Cup

The Moroccan national team received an unexpected blow just days before starting their journey in the 2026 World Cup, as right-back Zakaria Al-Wahdi was unable to travel with the "Atlas Lions" delegation to the United States due to issues related to obtaining a visa.

According to consistent Moroccan sources, the player's visa application was rejected twice, preventing him from joining the delegation that departed from Rabat-Salé Airport heading to the United States in preparation for participating in the World Cup. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is still working to find a solution that would allow him to join his teammates in the coming days.

As a precautionary measure, coach Mohamed Wahbi called up player Ali Maamar to accompany the team, in anticipation of the possibility that the visa issue might persist and Wahidi might not be able to join the national team before the opening match. Moroccan reports indicate that Maamar is the first choice to replace him if the issue is not resolved in time.

Despite the crisis, Al-Wahidi is still listed in the official Moroccan squad for the 2026 World Cup, which was announced by FIFA and the Moroccan national team a few days ago.

The Moroccan federation hopes to reach a quick solution, especially as the team is preparing for a strong match against Brazil in the opening of its journey in Group C, which also includes Scotland and Haiti.

If the refusal continues and the player does not receive the visa in the coming hours or days, the Moroccan coaching staff may be forced to make an emergency change to the roster before the tournament begins, causing the "Atlas Lions" to lose one of their key options at the right-back position.