By Andrew Warshaw
February 28 – Morocco looks to be closing the gap on its United States-led rival in the race to land the 2026 World Cup with the outcome in June by no means as clearcut as a few weeks ago, according to an ESPN report.
The United States, Canada and Mexico are hoping to stage the first ever three-nation edition of the tournament but many FIFA federations are reportedly sympathetic to the views of former FIFA president Sepp Blatter who has openly supported Morocco’s campaign.
A Morocco victory on June 13 would represent almost as big an upset as Qatar’s 2022 ballot success when the Gulf state beat the USA in the fourth and final round of voting. But ESPN quotes unnamed multiple sources as saying the result is far from a foregone conclusion.
According to this website’s own research, the picture emerging appears to be one of Morocco not only gaining the support of most though not all of its own confederation but also faring well in Asia in its bid to secure 104 votes. It is also anticipated that some of Europe, most likely the eastern bloc, will vote against the US-led bid.
Although the bidders were not allowed under the rules to address this week’s UEFA Congress in Bratislava, it is understood Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Ahmad used the summit to campaign behind the scenes for Morocco. Likewise Fouzi Lekjaa, head of the Moroccan FA who would have had ample opportunity to meet with individual European federations.
Some South American associations, it is being suggested, might not be too inclined to vote for the US-led bid because of the ongoing anti-corruption investigation by the US Department of Justice that has snared a raft of high-profile figures.
ESPN still estimated, however, that whilst the winning margin at June’s vote might be tighter than expected, United 2026 would emerge victorious and hand yet another defeat to the Moroccans who are bidding for a fifth time.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1714640660labto1714640660ofdlr1714640660owedi1714640660sni@w1714640660ahsra1714640660w.wer1714640660dna1714640660