Morocco has pushed its bid to host the 2026 World Cup in the name of Africa despite tough competition from a joint effort by the US, Canada and Mexico.
Two days after officially submitting Morocco’s bid book to FIFA, the bid committee led by Moulay Hafid Elalamy launched a website, campaign film and the strap line “together for one goal” at an event in Marrakesh.
In the bid book there are five key pillars to defend its application which shows that the North African nation is determined to convince the majority of the 211 associations affiliated with FIFA to vote for its bid.
One such pillar is uniqueness and cultural assets. Those who have visited Morocco will tell you that it is a country of incredible beauty and vast natural diversity which has rich and diverse cultural heritage for a true touristic experience.
Morocco offers a diversity and a tolerance to all religions, with especially an important Jewish community, which protection is ensured by his majesty the king himself. The protection started at the end of the 18thcentury.
The North African country also represents the cultural diversity with the Berber community. Their language has been recognized as an official language since 2011, through the new Constitution as the Berbers were the first inhabitants of North Africa and they are also considered its indigenous people.
The Kingdom owns a strong cultural heritage linked to the presence of European counters on the littoral. It is a country where you will find the majority of the Moroccan population speaks both Moroccan and French. Some parts in the North are also Spanish-speaking zones.
In addition to its deep African anchorage, Morocco also turned to Europe and to Arab-Islamic world in which the country is a member of various organizations. Its international participations includes Union for the Mediterranean, Arab League Members of the African Union among others.
Morocco central position gives it main strength as TV viewers from main markets will be able to watch up to 4 games at decent hours.This is because of the country’s ideal geographical situation—which has a time zone similar to that of Europe and Africa.
Also, the Mediterranean climate of Morocco guarantees to schedule the games in ideal climate conditions during the period of June and July when the tournament is hosted.The majority of the proposed cities have ideal climate conditions to organize the games and the events with the average of temperatures of 25°C.
Morocco’s Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), is another asset that would attract more votes as this would be beneficial for both traveling teams, potential spectators, and fans.
Football is indeed central to the popular culture of people of all races in Morocco and pride in their nation’s sporting prowess thus there is genuine enthusiasm about Morocco’s bid for 2026 World Cup, even among those who do not follow soccer.
