--- title: "Lekjaa rallies Morocco squad ahead of Brazil World Cup showdown" description: "Morocco’s president flew in to New Jersey to fire up the Atlas Lions before their 2026 opener against Brazil." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/coupe-du-monde-2026-avant-le-choc-face-au-bre-sil-lekjaa-9a9126c0 published: 2026-06-15T00:06:05.178+00:00 updated: 2026-06-15T00:06:05.178+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["football"] --- # Lekjaa rallies Morocco squad ahead of Brazil World Cup showdown > Morocco’s president flew in to New Jersey to fire up the Atlas Lions before their 2026 opener against Brazil. Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation, traveled to New Jersey on Sunday to meet the Atlas Lions ahead of their 2026 World Cup group-stage opener against Brazil. The surprise visit came as Morocco finalized preparations in the U.S. ahead of their June 15 clash with the five-time champions. Training sessions at Red Bull Arena were closed to the media, but federation officials confirmed Lekjaa’s presence at the team hotel and on the training ground. Lekjaa, who doubles as a FIFA Council member, has made a habit of high-profile team visits during major tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His arrival in New Jersey follows Morocco’s 2-1 friendly win over Andorra on June 8, a result that capped a six-game unbeaten run. The Atlas Lions have not lost since March 25, when they were beaten 1-0 by Argentina in a high-intensity friendly, and their recent form has drawn attention from European scouts tracking their progress. National team coach Walid Regragui told reporters the federation’s support is “a strong signal” and that Lekjaa’s presence “reinforces our collective responsibility.” The Atlas Lions, ranked 13th in the latest FIFA standings, open their World Cup campaign against a Brazil side ranked second. Morocco’s squad depth is under scrutiny after injuries sidelined key players like AS Roma midfielder Amine Ounahi and Wydad AC goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, forcing Regragui to reshuffle his lineup for the Brazil match. Lekjaa’s visit also carries symbolic weight beyond the immediate tactical concerns. In 2022, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, a run that galvanized football culture across the continent. The federation’s decision to back the team publicly in the U.S. ahead of a marquee fixture reflects a broader strategy to maintain momentum and attract investment into domestic leagues. Morocco’s 2026 World Cup squad includes Bayern Munich midfielder Amine Adli and PSG forward Munir El Haddadi, both born in France, alongside Premier League defender Achraf Hakimi. The squad’s multicultural composition mirrors Morocco’s diaspora ties and has become a talking point in European football circles, where questions persist about identity and national representation. The Atlas Lions’ preparation window in New Jersey has been tightly controlled, with no official footage released from training sessions. This opacity contrasts with the openness of other top nations but aligns with Regragui’s preference for focused, distraction-free environments ahead of high-pressure matches. The timing of Lekjaa’s visit is no accident. The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, a geographic proximity that amplifies Morocco’s strategic value as a regional rival in North America. By rallying the squad on American soil, the federation signals both ambition and intent, positioning Morocco as a credible challenger in a tournament where African teams have historically punched above their weight. Morocco’s diaspora-heavy squad also reflects a calculated gamble on dual-heritage players who can bridge cultural divides in a World Cup hosted across three continents. The inclusion of players like Adli and El Haddadi, who have represented France at youth level, underscores the federation’s willingness to leverage transnational talent pools—a model that mirrors the success of nations like France and Portugal but remains politically sensitive in some quarters. National team midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, who plays for Genk in Belgium, called Lekjaa’s visit “a morale booster” and said the squad feels the federation’s confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level. “When the president is here, it shows that the whole country believes in us,” El Khannouss told reporters. “We’re not just here to make up the numbers.” What's next: Morocco will face Brazil at MetLife Stadium on June 15 in a match that could shape Group B’s early dynamics. The Atlas Lions will then face Portugal and Croatia in their group, with the top two advancing to the Round of 16. Regragui’s side will look to build on their 2022 breakthrough while navigating injuries and tactical adjustments before the tournament opener. ## Why this matters Presidential visits to national squads before marquee fixtures are rare in African football. Lekjaa’s presence signals high-level backing and can lift morale, especially against a global heavyweight like Brazil. For Morocco, it’s a statement that the Atlas Lions are not just participants but contenders in the 2026 tournament. The federation’s proactive approach also signals a long-term investment in maintaining the squad’s competitive edge, which could influence African football’s standing in future World Cups. The 2026 World Cup’s North American footprint adds another layer: Morocco’s proximity to the host nations makes their campaign a potential gateway for African football to gain traction in a market dominated by CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. ## Frequently asked ### Who visited the Moroccan national team before their match against Brazil? Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation, made the trip to New Jersey to meet the squad. ### Where did the Moroccan team meet Fouzi Lekjaa before the Brazil game? The meeting took place in New Jersey, where Morocco prepared for their 2026 World Cup opener. ### Why is Fouzi Lekjaa’s visit significant for Morocco’s World Cup campaign? It demonstrates top-level support from the federation, potentially boosting team morale ahead of a tough group-stage clash with Brazil. ### Which teams played in the 2026 World Cup match involving Morocco and Brazil? Morocco faced Brazil in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. ### What message did Fouzi Lekjaa likely convey during his visit? While not publicly detailed, such visits typically emphasize unity, confidence, and institutional backing ahead of high-pressure matches. ### How has Morocco’s recent form influenced expectations for their 2026 World Cup campaign? Morocco has gone unbeaten in six games leading up to the tournament, including a 2-1 win over Andorra, which has drawn attention from European scouts tracking their progress. ## Sources & Citations - [Coupe du monde 2026 : avant le choc face au Brésil, Lekjaa rend visite aux Lions](https://medias24.com/2026/06/12/coupe-du-monde-2026-avant-le-choc-face-au-bresil-lekjaa-rend-visite-aux-lions-1698655/) — NewsData.io (2026-06-12) - [Mondial 2026 : Fouzi Lekjaa visite la tanière des Lions de l’Atlas avant le choc face au Brésil](https://lematin.ma/sports/mondial-2026-lekjaa-visite-les-lions-de-latlas-avant-le-choc-maroc-bresil/350383) — GNews.io (2026-06-12) --- Cite: Lekjaa rallies Morocco squad ahead of Brazil World Cup showdown. Sportopod, 2026-06-15. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/coupe-du-monde-2026-avant-le-choc-face-au-bre-sil-lekjaa-9a9126c0