Rabat - In a statement made to the Moroccan press on Saturday, Russia's Ambassador to Morocco, Valery Vorobiev, said that his country believes that Morocco’s World Cup bid is ”the best” to host the world's premier football tournament in 2026.
The Russian official made his remarks concerning the Moroccan bid in a press conference held by the Russian embassy in Rabat on Russia’s preparations to host the upcoming 2018 World Cup beginning in June.
Referring to the three-nations North American bid, Vorobiev said, “objectively, the three candidate countries are weak in football, we all know the American, Mexican and Canadian football. [It is] not real football.”
He added that the 2026 World Cup in Morocco will be beneficial for many countries, including African, Middle Eastern and European countries as the kingdom is only 14 kilometers away from Europe, “which is good for [football] fans.”
The Russian diplomat also commended Morocco’s weather, explaining that “the weather conditions are good in Morocco and everything is good and there are no shortcomings,” adding that “it is necessary” for Morocco to host the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking about the 2018 World Cup, Vorobiev said that “Moroccans know Russia well,” adding that the country is excited to receive Moroccan football fans.
Vorobiev also commended Morocco’s football team qualification, saying that the Moroccan squad “is strong.” The Russian official said that Morocco’s recent victory over Serbia in a pre-World Cup friendly is further proof.
The Russian diplomat also underscored the bilateral ties linking Morocco and Russia, noting that “good historical relations link the two countries, and that Moroccans know Russia well through cultural exchange.”
Morocco’s 2026 bid has managed to collect public support from several countries across the globe, including Qatar, France, Serbia, Botswana, Algeria, Tunisia, Nigeria and Luxembourg.
