February 22 – Morocco’s 2026 World Cup bid campaign team has begun issuing a series of promotional e-magazines in several languages that have been distributed to FIFA members in the hope of generating support ahead of the all-important vote on June 13.
“Our vision is to stage a tournament of authentic passion and real human legacy, using our country’s ‘sweetspot’ location, at the centre of the world, to tell a positive story about football as a force for hope and for change,” says the first such newsletter which pointedly highlights the minimum amount of travel needed and favourable time zone.
The rival US-led three-nation joint bid has made no secret of its commercial advantages and stadium sizes but the Moroccans say there are other factors that are equally compelling.
“Morocco will deliver the best-possible conditions for players and teams,” says the inaugural newsletter. “Quality of play will be enhanced by an optimal playing environment based on compact geography and a Mediterranean climate.
“Players will benefit from limited travel times, simple logistics and the advantage of a single time zone – all in a country that lives and breathes football.”
Morocco, it says, will also be affordable for travelling supporters “in a country located less than 15km from Europe: easy to get to and easy to get around”
For FIFA, say the underdogs, Morocco 2026 will deliver a “highly profitable, safe and image-enhancing tournament” and adds: “Our time zone fits perfectly with the lucrative European broadcast market. FIFA will also benefit from working with a single, central Government administration, for whom sustainable development is a national priority.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1731601691labto1731601691ofdlr1731601691owedi1731601691sni@w1731601691ahsra1731601691w.wer1731601691dna1731601691