CASABLANCA: Moulay Hafid Elalamy, chairman of the Morocco 2026 World Cup bid committee as well as being Minister for Industry, Investment Trade and Digital Economy, has hailed the extensive work completed since the African nation declared its intentions.

He was making his first public appearance as chairman at a press conference held in Casablanca. He was joined by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), M. Fouzi Lekjaa, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, M. Rachid Talbi Alami.

The FRMF, the bid team, and bid advisers, have been working together to prepare a bid that highlights the welcoming, passionate, and dynamic nature of Morocco, and shows the world-class stadiums, infrastructure and commercial opportunities that the country has to offer FIFA.

Chairman Elalamy unveiled the logo, the bid’s leadership team and its social media channels. He also confirmed that the Bid Committee was in discussions with likely host cities throughout Morocco, and a shortlist of potential venues would be announced in due course with a final list being submitted to FIFA in mid-March.

Moulay Hafid Elalamy, Chairman of the Morocco 2026 Bid Committee, said: “Morocco is honoured to be bidding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, as Chairman of our nation’s bid, I am delighted today to begin to set out our vision and kick-start our campaign to host this wonderful festival of football. Today we also reveal our logo and begin our social media initiatives.

“Morocco 2026 will showcase the best of football, at the heart of the world in the dynamic continent of Africa. We are ready to welcome the world and it is our promise to stage a tournament overflowing with real passion and to celebrate the game’s values of unity, peace and integrity.

“A FIFA World Cup in Morocco will deliver commercial success and leave a long-lasting legacy and if we win the honour of hosting then we believe the winners will be football, the young people of our nation, Africa and the world.”

Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), added: “We have assembled a committed, enthusiastic, and experienced team to bring our vision to life for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Today marks an important moment as we fully begin our campaign to showcase our bid to the people of Morocco, the international community and all the National Associations of FIFA.

“We are working hard to submit a superb bid to FIFA in mid-March and we will reveal more details as we move forward. We may surprise many people with our strong infrastructure and commercial offering, and we will highlight our wonderful welcome, host cities and stunning locations. It promises to be a truly special bid.”

Hicham El Amrani will serve as Morocco 2026 CEO, Previously Confederation of African Football (CAF) Secretary General, El Amrani has extensive experience working within football governance, and will also bring commercial, marketing and planning expertise to the bid.

Please find attached an image of the Morocco 2026 FIFA World Cup Bid logo. Further images of the press conference are available upon request.

###############