March 1 – Morocco is reportedly considering a new strategy to challenge north America for the 2026 World Cup, almost certainly the first edition to involve 48 teams.
With only a few countries able to stage an expanded tournament and Morocco keen to host having missed out four times, the north African country is apparently weighing up the idea of teaming up with Spain and Portugal who lost out in the race for 2018.
Although the United States remain odds-on favourites to host 2026 – probably with Canada or Mexico, or both – Morocco are said to be encouraged by Gianni Infantino’s suggestion that up to four countries could jointly stage the event in future.
Morocco’s daily Assabah newspaper reported that a counter-bid with Spain and Portugal could present a serious challenge since it would have the backing of Africa, much of the Arab world and Europe, representing a huge chunk of the FIFA membership.
Morocco lost bids to host the World Cup in 1994, 1998, 2006, and 2010, losing out to the United States, France, Germany, and South Africa respectively. No other nation has launched as many bids without ever gaining hosting rights.
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