Qatar Supports Morocco’s Bid to Host 2026 World Cup

Hassan Al Thawadi, the secretary general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) of Qatar, has expressed his country’s full support to Morocco’s bid to host the 2026 FIFA World CUP.

The announcement was made during a press conference held on Monday, reported international sports outlet Goal.

The Qatari official said that “[Qatar] will support Morocco’s bid and will extend any support if needed.” He added that Morocco “has a strong competitor in USA, Canada and Mexico,” adding that “[Qatar] believes that Morocco has the capacity to host the major event, as they have made a bid earlier, too.”

Qatar defeated the USA in 2010 to clinch the hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup.

Al Thawadi added that “the manner in which the decision is taken has now changed,” explaining that “now it is the general assembly [FIFA congress] which decides.”

“The success of the Moroccan bid will further extend the transformative power within the Arab region. It will have a stabilizing effect on the region. Together with 2022, this will be the biggest moment in Arab world’s history,” he added.”

Morocco’s candidacy to host the tournament was submitted on August 11 by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The African nation will compete against the united bid of USA, Mexico and Canada in order to clinch the right to host the tournament.

Morocco has already the backing of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) which has strongly endorsed the country’s candidacy immediately after its submission.

In August, CAF president Ahmad Ahmad called on African football federations to show a clear support for Morocco’s bid. Morocco sees itself as a representative of Africa, stating the continent has a right to once again organize the competition.

Morocco’s previous bids to host the 1994, 1998, 2006, and 2010 World Cups were unsuccessful.

In its last attempt, Morocco was close to winning before losing a tight race against South Africa.