Where Morocco Fans Watch the World Cup in NYC

The Atlas Lions in New York — Astoria, Bay Ridge, and the opening MetLife match against Brazil on June 13

Morocco Fans in NYC: World Cup 2026 Guide

Morocco's World Cup Schedule

Morocco arrives at the 2026 World Cup as Africa's most feared team and one of the tournament's genuine dark horses globally. Their 2022 run — eliminating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, finishing as the first African semifinalists in World Cup history — changed how the world views African football. They arrive more experienced, with the same defensive system under Walid Regragui, and a squad that has grown in confidence and quality since Qatar. The June 13 opener against Brazil at MetLife is the match everyone in New York is talking about.

Astoria — The NYC Moroccan and North African Hub

Astoria, Queens is the most diverse neighborhood in New York and home to the city's strongest North African community. The area around Steinway Street — sometimes called "Little Egypt" for its Middle Eastern and North African concentration — has Moroccan cafés, halal restaurants, and hookah lounges that show major international soccer matches. The community here is Arab and North African broadly, which means Morocco matches draw large crowds from multiple overlapping communities: Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian fans who all follow African football.

For the June 13 Brazil vs Morocco match, the cafés along Steinway Street will be full from noon. The match kicks off in the afternoon — arrive early, settle in, and expect the street atmosphere outside to be as good as inside. After the match, Astoria stays lively regardless of result. Take the N or W train to Astoria–Ditmars Blvd from Midtown Manhattan.

Bay Ridge — Brooklyn's Arab-American Community

Bay Ridge in southern Brooklyn is home to one of New York's largest Arab-American populations, with Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, Jordanian, and Moroccan communities all represented. Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge has Arab restaurants, bakeries, and community gathering spaces. The neighborhood has a strong soccer culture — Bay Ridge is also known for Norway fans (the neighborhood has Scandinavian roots) which makes it particularly interesting for both the Norway community and the Moroccan community who share a MetLife matchup on June 22 (Norway vs Senegal) while Morocco plays Boston.

For the Brazil vs Morocco match on June 13, Bay Ridge bars and restaurants along Fifth Avenue and 86th Street will be showing the match. Take the R train to 86th Street, Bay Ridge.

Why Morocco vs Brazil Is the Match of Opening Weekend

Brazil have five World Cup titles. Morocco reached the last World Cup semifinal. Both communities in New York are enormous — the Brazilian concentration in Astoria and the Ironbound, the Moroccan/North African community across Astoria and Brooklyn. This is not a mismatch on paper or in the stands. Morocco's defensive record in 2022 was historic; they conceded only one open-play goal in seven matches. Against Neymar and Vinícius Jr., their discipline will be tested from the opening whistle. The result will set the tone for both teams' tournaments.

Morocco's Key Players to Watch

Achraf Hakimi (PSG) — the best attacking right back in world football. Sofyan Amrabat (Fenerbahçe) — the midfield enforcer who became a global name at the 2022 World Cup. Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid) — the creative force who gives Morocco an elite technical option. Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahçe) — the target striker and goal threat. Against Brazil's high line, Morocco's transition play will be lethal if they stay organized.

Moroccan Food in NYC Before the Match

Astoria has several Moroccan-influenced cafés and restaurants serving tagine, couscous, and mint tea. For the full guide to Moroccan restaurants across NYC — from the East Village to Astoria — see the dedicated food guide. Eat before heading to MetLife; the food options near the stadium are limited.

• Best Moroccan restaurants in NYC →
• Best Greek restaurants in Astoria (same neighborhood) →

Getting to MetLife for the Brazil vs Morocco Match

From Astoria: take the N or W train to Times Square–42nd Street, then walk to Penn Station (10 minutes) and board NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction. Transfer to the Meadowlands match-day rail service. Allow 75–90 minutes total from Astoria. From Bay Ridge: take the R train toward Manhattan to Penn Station. Purchase NJ Transit World Cup tickets in advance.

Match Schedule & Tickets

🛍️ Gear up: Find official jerseys, scarves, and World Cup accessories. World Cup 2026 Jerseys & Official Gear →

🎭 Things to do between matches: Best NYC Experiences During the World Cup — helicopter tours, Statue of Liberty, Candlelight, ARTE Museum, food tours →