‘Morocco Wants It All’: Marca Cites Moroccan Preparedness, Sport Leadership

Rabat – Spanish news outlet Marca has again touted Morocco’s global sports leadership and its push to host major world events.

The sports-focused website emphasized that Morocco is now evolving on the pitch and in leadership.

For Marca, Morocco is the “most prepared [country] on the continent,” recalling the “immense” ambition of Morocco’s Football Federation President, Fouzi Lekjaa.

“Its [Morocco’s] drive and willingness to host major events will culminate in the 2030 World Cup,” Marca said, recalling Morocco’s goal to host the grand final at the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca.

The bid to host the World Cup final is not a far-reaching dream for Morocco. Spain, which competes to secure this privilege, is marred with reports that highlight challenges – including racism and Islamophobia.

The situation has been well-documented in international games as well as in LaLiga among others, targeting players of all origins, including Real Madrid’s Vinicius and Barcelona’s star Lamine Yamal.

On Saturday, the Moroccan-Spanish player faced racist abuse again during a game against Atletico Madrid in LaLiga.

The incident came days after Yamal spoke against anti-Muslim chants he heard during Spain’s friendly against Egypt.

In his previous posts on Islamophobic chants, Lamine said that using religion to insult others makes fans appear “ignorant and racist.”

The situation leaves room for observers to emphasize Spain’s illegitimacy to host such major events, where Muslim communities are among the fans that rally to attend World Cup games.

The World Cup is not the only major event Morocco is rallying to host. It also aims to enhance its portfolio in hosting other global and continental events, including the Club World Cup in 2029.

The North African kingdom also reportedly wants to host the 2028 Futsal World Cup.

Marca also recalled Morocco’s quest to defend its AFCON title after the chaotic final against Senegal.

In March, CAF’s Appeal Board announced Morocco the AFCON winner, emphasizing that Senegal breached the tournament regulation after abandoning the game.

Senegal protested the move, taking the case to the international sports courts, also known as CAS.

For Marca, Morocco is convinced that CAS will uphold the CAF decision.

“And on the continent, the idea is also circulating that the 2027 Africa Cup, which is supposed to go to the joint bid of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, may ultimately not be held there– opening the door once again for Morocco, or even for a 2028 edition to be played directly in Morocco,” Marca concluded.

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