Morocco is set to replace Ukraine and join Spain and Portugal in their bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Ukraine’s war with Russia has put a big doubt on the nation hosting the mundial in 2030.
The likelihood of Ukraine recovering to host World Cup group-stage matches in seven years feels increasingly slim
Morocco declared its interest in the 2030 World Cup in July 2018, after five previous unsuccessful attempts to host the tournament — 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2026. If successful in 2030, it would be the first country to host World Cup matches in North Africa.
The proximity between Spain and Morocco makes the partnership more practical as only eight miles separate the two countries at the nearest point. There are 1,000 miles between Ukraine and Spain while Portugal is even further.
The Moroccan FA is also a member of the CAF (Confederation of African Football) and a joint European-African bid is seen as a potential vote winner.
The 2030 hosts will be selected at the 74th FIFA congress in 2024.
A Portugal-Spain-Morocco bid is likely to face competition from two more group bids: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Greece, as well as a joint South American proposal involving Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile.
The 2026 finals, featuring 48 teams instead of the 32 in Qatar, will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada
