Morocco fans traveled from around the world to see their team pull off an impressive draw with Brazil in their World Cup opener. They had come from the United Kingdom, Dubai, Montreal, and of course from Morocco itself, from Marrakech and Casablanca, to witness their team take on mighty Brazil. To support Morocco, the administrative, off-again, on-again champions of Africa, and semi‑finalists at the last World Cup in Qatar.
High Costs for Moroccan Fans
Kamal Ait El Hadj, a 47-year-old who builds villas in Morocco, said his travel from Marrakech just for this match would set him back $5,000, even though he had a free ticket. He would go home after the game and planned to return for a last‑16 match, which would cost another $5,000. Houssam Jeboni, a 33-year-old fish wholesaler, said it would cost him $6,000 to follow his team through the group stage. Salma Sebti, sitting with her husband and daughter, estimated spending at least $15,000 on this trip. They own a gas station in Marrakech.
With Morocco's average annual salary estimated at less than $7,400, these expenses highlight that only the wealthiest can afford to attend the World Cup. A 32-year-old Morocco fan who works in the travel industry expected to spend up to $10,000 over 10 days. He said, "I trust our team and I think this is our year."
Pride and Preparation for 2030
Mohammed Smouni, deputy director general of Morocco's national railway, is a World Cup regular attending his fifth tournament. He said, "We're in training to host," referring to Morocco's role as co-host of the 2030 World Cup. He added, "Seeing my team has no price." However, his trip had a price: a $1,500 flight, though a friend gave him tickets and lodging.
Morocco is a rising power in global soccer, with impressive infrastructure and growing influence. In 2030, it will become the second African country to host a World Cup, sharing duties with Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. For now, only the well-off can share in the soccer spoils, as traveling to this World Cup is a luxury costing what the average citizen earns in a year or more.
Ait El Hadj, who saved up for a long time, acknowledged his fortune: "Not everyone can afford it." The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Vinícius Júnior rescuing Brazil.
