Algeria supports Moroccan bid to host 2026 FIFA World Cup

Algeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports announced on Sunday his country’s official support for Morocco’s bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Anadolu has reported.

“President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s decree about Algeria’s support for Morocco to host the 2026 World Cup is being implemented with pride,” explained El-Hadi Waly Ali, confirming what Al-Nahar TV Chanel revealed a few days ago. The station is close to the Algerian presidency.

Having submitted its official candidacy to host the global football tournament, Morocco is now expecting FIFA officials to visit the Kingdom from 17 to 19 April. The bid from the North African state will stand against a rival bid from the US, Canada and Mexico; the three are bidding jointly to have the honour of hosting the tournament. The winning bid will be announced on 13 June.

This is Morocco’s fifth attempt to host the World Cup. It tried for the first time in 1994, when it lost to the US, and the last occasion was for the 2010 tournament, which was held in South Africa.

“Algeria’s position and support for Morocco’s bid to host the 2026 World Cup will be a good opportunity to reopen the borders between the two countries,” commented Moroccan football legend Badou Zaki.

Morocco: Ready for bid to host World Cup 2026