logo
FIFA Considers Moving World Cup Games From US to Canada

FIFA Considers Moving World Cup Games From US to Canada

Morocco World2 days ago
FIFA is reportedly considering moving the 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Canada due to growing concerns over US immigration policies.
The latest visa restrictions have drawn criticism from fans and human rights groups, with reports suggesting that entire delegations – fans, media, and support staff – are struggling to secure entry into the US.
Up to 43 countries are now banned from traveling to the US. Even qualified countries for the World Cup like Iran, will be facing zero presentation in the stands, as players will be playing without the cheering of their fans.
The restrictions have raised questions over FIFA's adherence to its own principles, including 'access and non-discrimination,' and its stated commitment to human rights and inclusion.
While the US might be the financial muscle, Canada is the most logical host, as it offers logistical capabilities and political neutrality in addition to stability.
FIFA risks contradicting its own principles,' Ensure that the principles of anti-discrimination, diversity, accessibility and inclusion, and human rights for all are protected and promoted,' in addition to 'Avoid any situation giving rise to a conflict of interests.' Tags: CanadaFIFA World CupUS
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

World Cup 2030: Akhannouch Calls It ‘Strategic Transformation Accelerator'
World Cup 2030: Akhannouch Calls It ‘Strategic Transformation Accelerator'

Morocco World

time2 hours ago

  • Morocco World

World Cup 2030: Akhannouch Calls It ‘Strategic Transformation Accelerator'

Marrakech – Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch stated Friday that Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal represents far more than a global sporting event – it serves as a 'strategic transformation accelerator' for the North African country. Speaking via video address at the 8th Morocco Today Forum (MTF) in Rabat, the country's executive leader outlined the tournament's transformative potential. 'It's an opportunity to realize, at all levels, the Royal Will to consolidate the foundations of a dynamic, inclusive and sovereign Morocco,' he said. The forum, held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, centered on the theme 'Vision of a King – Morocco 2030: Consolidating the Foundations of a Great Nation.' Akhannouch mentioned numerous projects either completed or underway throughout the country. These include internationally-compliant infrastructure, high-speed rail networks, major airport hubs, highways, urban ring roads, and tourism and hospital infrastructure. He added that Morocco's partners, including global leaders in their respective sectors and national businesses, are engaging with opportunities created by the country's openness to cutting-edge industries, clean energy, telecommunications, digitalization and other promising sectors. 'In many sectors, Morocco is moving toward becoming a continental, regional, and even international reference,' he continued. 'The organization of the 2030 World Cup will come to consolidate and accelerate this metamorphosis of Morocco under the enlightened leadership of King Mohammed VI,' Akhannouch asserted. The prime minister noted that sporting infrastructure is experiencing considerable development to meet top international standards. These facilities are designed not only to host major international sporting events but also to drive growth and social cohesion across multiple cities. He pointed out that the hotel sector is undergoing profound overhaul, supported by unprecedented growth in demand for Morocco as a destination, with a record 17.4 million tourists in 2024. 'It's about embodying tomorrow's Morocco' In his contribution to the forum, Youssef Amrani, Morocco's Ambassador to the United States, framed the 2030 World Cup as more than a privilege – it's 'a moral contract with oneself and with the world.' 'It's not about building a few stadiums or developing infrastructure. It's about embodying tomorrow's Morocco,' Amrani said. 'A horizon cannot be decreed. It must be prepared for, anticipated, and earned.' The MTF 2025 is structured around three key panels: placing human capital at the heart of development, accelerating sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and building a resilient 'Digital Nation.' Mohammed Haitami, president of Le Matin Group which organizes the forum, clarified that this prestigious global sporting event is not merely about hosting twenty football matches but driving a national leap forward. 'It's a unique opportunity to mobilize the country around a structuring project, to modernize our infrastructure, to converge our efforts toward the same goal,' Haitami explained. The planned investment approaches MAD 500 billion ($50 billion). The event is gathering national and international decision-makers, researchers, and key figures from the sports, economic, digital, and media sectors. High-level participation includes the Head of Government, six ministers, and Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the 2030 World Cup Committee, alongside Miguel Ángel Moratinos, former Spanish minister and current UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations. Based on projections from FIFA and macroeconomic analyses cited by Ambassador Amrani, the World Cup could generate a direct and indirect impact equivalent to 4% of Morocco's GDP through investment, employment, tourism, and global image enhancement. Since its inception in 2016, the MTF has established itself as a space for strategic reflection aligned with the Royal Vision. Each edition produces a White Paper submitted to decision-makers as a contribution to national development strategy. Read also: Morocco Prepares for 2030 FIFA World Cup with New National Sports Foundation Tags: 2030 World CupAziz Akhannouch

FIFA and CAF mourn the passing of Moroccan football legend Ahmed Faras
FIFA and CAF mourn the passing of Moroccan football legend Ahmed Faras

Ya Biladi

time6 hours ago

  • Ya Biladi

FIFA and CAF mourn the passing of Moroccan football legend Ahmed Faras

Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), expressed his «deep sorrow» upon learning of the passing of Ahmed Faras, Moroccan football icon and winner of the 1975 African Ballon d'Or. In a post on his official Instagram account, Infantino paid tribute to the historic top scorer of the Moroccan national team and captain of the squad that won the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations. «I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Moroccan player Ahmed Faras», he wrote. On behalf of FIFA and the entire footballing community, «I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends, to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and to everyone at CAF. Rest in peace». Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), also expressed his condolences, describing Faras as «an exceptional leader both on and off the field». In a statement published on CAF's official website, Motsepe recalled that Faras was one of Africa's brightest football stars, named the continent's best player in 1975 and a central figure in Morocco's historic Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1976. «Ahmed Faras was an outstanding leader whose contributions to football in Morocco and across Africa helped pave the way for the global success we now see from Moroccan and African players», Motsepe said. He offered his heartfelt sympathies and support to «the family of the deceased, his former teammates, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, its president Fouzi Lekjaa, and the Moroccan people. Ahmed Faras will forever live in our hearts and memories. May God bless him and grant him eternal peace».

Thanks to HM the King's Vision, Morocco is Experiencing a ‘Remarkable Development Boom' - Vice-President of French National Assembly
Thanks to HM the King's Vision, Morocco is Experiencing a ‘Remarkable Development Boom' - Vice-President of French National Assembly

Maroc

timea day ago

  • Maroc

Thanks to HM the King's Vision, Morocco is Experiencing a ‘Remarkable Development Boom' - Vice-President of French National Assembly

Morocco, thanks to the Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is experiencing "a remarkable development boom," stressed the Vice-President of the French National Assembly, Naima Moutchou. "Morocco is unanimously perceived as a pillar and a point of reference in a very troubled world," Moutchou said in an interview with MAP-Paris on the occasion of the celebration of the glorious Throne Day, noting that it is "quite fascinating to see that the Kingdom, which has been able to combine tradition and modernity, constitutes a sort of heading for many countries." Praising the "bold" reforms carried out under the Sovereign's impetus, the French deputy highlighted the institutional stability of the Kingdom and the remarkable evolution recorded in numerous areas, particularly access to healthcare, education, energy transition and security. For Moutchou, "Throne Day is not only an institutional moment, but also a moment of pride for Moroccans to see their country evolve in stability and prosperity." Evoking the relations between Morocco and France, the Vice-President of the National Assembly noted that the two countries are today living "an unprecedented moment." "It is clear that today, we are living an unprecedented moment since we are in a new cycle of relations between our two countries. We are, as the President of the Republic said, in the process of writing, not a new chapter, a new book, but a new story," Moutchou said. She recalled that "the reinforced exceptional partnership between France and Morocco is an unprecedented framework that opens up enormous prospects for our two countries, particularly fundamental projects in all sectors." The French deputy announced that there is "a momentum opening up with the Southern Provinces" thanks to the "powerful" position of France to support Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara. "France will support this momentum both at the European and international levels so that others will also join this momentum," Moutchou said, highlighting the role of parliamentary diplomacy. The Vice-President of the National Assembly said, in the same context, that the legislative institutions are working on both sides to organize a major inter-parliamentary forum in Morocco by the end of the year which will be a great moment of parliamentary diplomacy. Commenting on the co-organization by Morocco of the 2030 World Cup, Moutchou stressed that it is a "natural and common sense" decision. "Morocco is a great country that has great infrastructure. It is also a great football Nation. It is the candidacy of a country that has assets and that met the conditions. It was not a surprise, but a great satisfaction," Moutchou noted. She added that "Morocco is one of those great Nations in the world that are capable of organizing major events," hoping that France can contribute to Morocco in supporting this challenge. MAP:17 July 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store