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In the coming days, New York will be buzzing with Moroccan football fans. Some are based in the city, others are travelling from across the United States, while many more are arriving from around the world. All are united by a single goal: supporting the Atlas Lions.
Morocco will kick off its World Cup campaign against Brazil on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Those lucky enough to secure tickets will not be the only ones enjoying the occasion. Many supporters have been priced out of the match by soaring ticket costs, but they will still have a place to gather just steps away from where the Atlas Lions will take the field that Saturday.
At Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, home to Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls and just a short drive from MetLife Stadium, a large watch party organized with the support of members of the Moroccan diaspora will bring fans together.
«It is one of the largest venues in the area, with giant screens installed for the occasion», Mohammed Alami, a New York-based journalist and member of the Moroccan diaspora, told Yabiladi.
The Moroccan ambiance
Speaking enthusiastically about the initiative, Alami said community leaders are determined to create a truly Moroccan atmosphere at the venue.
«As you have probably heard, ticket prices are high and many people will not be able to attend Morocco's opening match against Brazil», he said.
Alami noted that access to the watch party will be free of charge. «Initially, Red Bull planned to charge a $10 entry fee, with free admission for children, but the event was later made free for everyone», he explained. «All those who already paid will be refunded».
For Alami and other members of the Moroccan community, the event is about more than simply watching a football match.
«We want to welcome our fellow Moroccans, make them feel at home, and give them an opportunity to connect with other Moroccans», he said.
«The organizers have heard about the reputation of Moroccan fans and the national team, and they have made a number of arrangements to facilitate things for us», he added. «Moroccan supporters will have their own dedicated area, and we invite every Moroccan in New York who is not attending the match to come and join us».
A broader effort to welcome Moroccan supporters
The watch party is only one part of a wider mobilization effort by the Moroccan community in the United States.
For several weeks, members of the diaspora have been working alongside the Moroccan Consulate and local associations to prepare for the arrival of thousands of supporters travelling to the United States for the World Cup.
According to Alami, volunteers have established media, cultural and community committees tasked with assisting visitors, providing information, and helping create a welcoming environment around the tournament.
The initiative is intended to complement the support services offered by Morocco's diplomatic missions in the United States.
Beyond the matches themselves, the diaspora is also planning a series of cultural and community events designed to showcase Morocco and help visiting supporters feel at home.
«There will be Moroccan-themed days. We are planning events dedicated to Moroccan craftsmanship and culture, and we also hope to organize celebrations and gatherings, pending approval from the relevant authorities», Alami said.
All committees will maintain an online presence and provide information through social media channels. «Supporters will be able to contact us online. We will be available to answer questions and provide guidance», he added.
For many members of the Moroccan diaspora, the tournament carries special significance. «As Moroccans living in the United States, we have always celebrated the national team's victories from afar. But this time, the Atlas Lions are here with us», he said. «It is a first for many in the second generation, and our children cannot wait to see the team in person», Alami said proudly.
