The president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has said Morocco is interested in submitting a joint bid with Spain and Portugal to host a World Cup.
In an interview with American agency Associated Press (AP), the FRMF President defended the idea of organizing a World Cup between the three neighboring countries, to increase chances as was the case for the 2026 bid.
“We wanted this organization to be shared between the African continent and the European continent,” explained Fouzi Lakjaa, noting that Spain and Portugal “are only 14 kilometers away” from Morocco.
This candidacy, to Lekjaa, would “show the world that the relationship between Africa and Europe is not only the relationship of illegal immigration and the fight against it,” Lekjaa said.
“Rather, it is a relationship in which civilizations can meet and cultures meet” he said.
In addition, the president of the FRMF revealed that Morocco “is now seeking to be a key player in the international dimension within FIFA.”
The organization of a world cup would be the ultimate consecration for Morocco, who lost the last bid to a joint Canada, the US and Mexico for 2026.
“the idea that Morocco could co-host the 2030 World Cup with its close neighbors, Spain and Portugal, seemed a little crazy when it was first floated four years ago,” but “it doesn’t seem so crazy now,” AP said.
According to the US agency, Morocco has gained “status with FIFA and credibility with fans by knocking out Spain and then Portugal in knockout matches to become the first African team to qualify for the World Cup semifinals.”
This co-hosting ambition is not new, but Morocco’s status within the football world after the Qatar World Cup may have changed things.
Back in 2018, European soccer body UEFA was flatly opposed in 2018 to jointly bidding with another continent.
However, Lekjaa and many others seem to now see this cross-continental bid as a close reality.
Europe and Africa combined have 109 of the 211 FIFA voting members, but the body has yet to specify a timetable and bid rules for the hosting for the 2030 tournament.
good luck my dear country. we love soccer. and we can organize the event. we can do it inchaallah it will be a great occasion to rise the economy (tourism)