Morocco to stop bidding for African competitions, shift focus to global tournaments

[caption id="attachment_1313789" align="alignnone" width="612"] President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation Fouzi Lekjaa speaks during the first operational meeting of the bilateral support committee for the 2030 World Cup in Sal on April 2, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)[/caption]Morocco will no longer bid to host African competitions, according to Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa.The North African nation is shifting its complete administrative and infrastructural focus toward global tournaments, including the 2029 Club World Cup and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco is co-hosting with Portugal and Spain.Lekjaa's announcement marks a significant shift in Moroccan football policy.

The country has been a frequent host of CAF tournaments, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations a tournament that was later stripped from them and moved to Morocco after original hosts Guinea were deemed unprepared.The 2025 AFCON final in Rabat was later at the centre of a major controversy after CAF stripped Senegal of the title and awarded it to Morocco.Morocco has also hosted the Women's Africa Cup of Nations and several CAF Champions League finals.

However, with an eye on the global stage, the country appears ready to prioritise larger international events.The decision could have major implications for CAF, which has often relied on Morocco as a reliable host for continental competitions.

With Morocco now stepping back, the onus falls on other African nations to step up.For now, Morocco's focus is clear: the 2029 Club World Cup and a historic 2030 World Cup co-hosting role.

African competitions will take a back seat.