Morocco hope its fifth time lucky in bid

Casablanca, April 1: Despite four previous failed attempts, Morocco is once again seeking to host a FIFA World Cup and hopes it will filly be given the chance to do so in 2026. “Soccer is in our D,” the chief executive of the Morocco 2026 bid committee Hicham el-Amrani, said in a presentation in Marrakesh, just weeks before the FIFA Congress will decide on June 13 in Moscow whether to select either of the bidders as the host. The other candidate is a joint bid by Mexico, the United States and Cada. Football is a vital part of Moroccans’ life and culture, with the streets of Marrakesh and Casablanca filled with people wearing team jerseys and ads encouraging would-be travellers to head to this summer’s World Cup in Russia. This fever for the sport makes the will to host football’s showcase event as strong as ever, in spite of failed bids to put on the 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010 tourments. IANS