Large numbers of Moroccan supporters have flocked to Times Square in New York City, United States, where they continue to gather hours before the highly anticipated World Cup group-stage match between Morocco and Brazil.
The famous square has been filled with Moroccan fans waving national flags and chanting in support of the Atlas Lions, reflecting the excitement surrounding Morocco's opening match of the tournament.
Moroccan supporters have expressed strong optimism about their team's chances of securing a positive result against one of the greatest national teams in football history.
That confidence stems from the numerous achievements Moroccan football has accomplished in recent years, which have transformed the national team into a respected force on the international stage.
Among the most significant of those achievements was Morocco's historic run to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of the competition.
Fans also point to Morocco's 2-1 victory over Brazil in a friendly match played in Tangier shortly after the Qatar World Cup, a result that strengthened belief in the team's ability to compete with the world's football powers.
Moroccan football has also enjoyed success at youth level, adding to the sense of optimism surrounding the country's future in the sport.
One of the most notable achievements came when Morocco won the FIFA U-17 World Cup after defeating Argentina in the final, marking another historic milestone for Moroccan football.
The coach who guided that youth team to world glory was Mohammed Ouahbi, who now leads the senior national team and is tasked with guiding the Atlas Lions through another World Cup campaign.
Moroccans hope that the match against Brazil will mark the beginning of another historic chapter for the national team. A large Moroccan presence is also expected inside the stadium, given the sizeable Moroccan community living in the United States and its eagerness to support the Atlas Lions on football's biggest stage.
