Morocco replace Ukraine in World Cup bid with Portugal and Spain | OneFootball

The 2030 World Cup could make its way to Africa as Morocco officially confirmed its decision to partner with Portugal and Spain in a joint bid as hosts.

Ukraine was part of the initial plans revealed in October but has now been replaced by the nation that lit up the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The news comes after Fifa confirmed World Cup campaigns from 2026 onwards will include 48 teams extending to 104 matches.

“This joint bid, which is unprecedented in football history, will bring together Africa and Europe, the northern and southern Mediterranean, and the African, Arab, Euro-Mediterranean worlds,” said King Mohammed V on the decision.

“It will also bring out the best in all of us- in effect, a combination of genius, creativity, experience, and means.”

As neighbouring countries, transportation between Portugal and Spain would not cause too much of a headache, and Morocco is within reach by flight times of 90 minutes or less.

According to a report from The Times, Fifa sources claim this bid is deemed “pretty much unbeatable” compared to other joint proposals from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Greece or Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile.

The 2030 hosts will be selected in 2024.