Morocco will no longer pursue bids to host African football competitions, according to Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, who revealed that the country’s priorities are now firmly centered on staging major global tournaments.
Lekjaa said Morocco is redirecting its administrative, financial, and infrastructural resources toward preparations for a series of high-profile international events, most notably the 2029 Club World Cup and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the North African nation will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
The announcement marks a significant strategic shift for a country that has become one of Africa’s most active hosts of continental football events in recent years. Morocco has repeatedly stepped in to organize major African competitions and has invested heavily in stadium upgrades, transport networks, and sports infrastructure.
However, federation officials now believe the scale of upcoming global commitments requires full concentration on delivering tournaments that will place Morocco at the center of world football over the next decade.
The decision comes as preparations continue to accelerate ahead of the expanded FIFA World Cup in 2030, a historic edition that will return the tournament to multiple continents and feature Morocco as the first North African nation to co-host football’s biggest event.
Morocco’s growing influence within international football has been reinforced by its recent successes both on and off the pitch, including its landmark run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and its increasing role in hosting major FIFA and CAF events.
With attention now turning toward the 2029 Club World Cup and the 2030 World Cup, Moroccan football authorities appear determined to channel all available resources into ensuring the country delivers two of the sport’s most prestigious global competitions.
