RABAT: Morocco is hoping to try yet again to secure host rights to the World Cup finals, this time for 2030 in partnership with Spain and Portugal.

Local media in Morocco has indicated that the football federation, undaunted by a recent fifth failure with its pursuit of 2026, wants to lead the first bid comprised of parties from two continents – albeit separated by just 14 kilometres of the Strait of Gibraltar.

How serious Portugal and Spain may be remains open to question after their joint bid failure amid the scandal-scarred 2018 campaign.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup is expected to attract a number of heavyweight bids. Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay, have already announced plans to host as a trio on what would be the 100th anniversary of the 1930 tournament in Uruguay. In England, the Football Association has also signalled its interest in a 2030 bid and would have strong support from European federation UEFA.

A report from Morocco’s Al Yaoum suggests Morocco would prefer to work with the Iberian countries rather than with North African neighbours, Algeria and Tunisia.

Lekjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, said: “Morocco will bid to host the World Cup in 2030—there is no doubt about that. But we have not yet decided on the co-hosts. The decision will be politically discussed.”

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