January 25 – The head of Morocco’s 2026 World Cup campaign has re-iterated that the country will be able to meet all FIFA’s requirements, not least when it comes to infrastructure.
Morocco’s bid team this week took advantage of the African Nations Championship (Chan) being staged in the country to address local media and stress the bid was for the whole African continent.
Of course we’ve heard that many times before from bidding nations – including when South Africa were hosts in 2010 – but the 2026 underdogs are keen to make it clear they will be able to accommodate the first World Cup comprising 48 teams.
FIFA reportedly is asking for 12 stadiums, with two more in reserve. The opening match and final must have an 80,000 capacity, 60,000 for the semi-finals.
Like Qatar in 2022, the Moroccans are reported to be planning modular stadiums, some of which can be dismantled and installed elsewhere and are anxious to play down the issue.
“We currently have six stadiums, some of which need an upgrade to meet FIFA standards. We are going to build eight, two of which are reserve. Do not worry about the infrastructure, we will be ready, technically and even on budget, ” declared bid chairman Moulay Hamid Elalamy.
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