Morocco’s bid for 2026 World Cup in jeopardy over Western Sahara

On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, the competition to hold the 2026 event has been engulfed in intrigue about whether President Trump’s rhetoric on immigration and foreign policy will cost North America votes. What’s barely discussed is the impact of a territorial conflict that is impeding Morocco’s bid.

Heavily criticized by FIFA for the lack of infrastructure and LGBT protections, Morocco’s claims on Western Sahara also appear to be a factor for some football federations heading into Wednesday’s FIFA vote.

The former Spanish colony annexed by Morocco in 1975 is featured within the map of the country in its bid book. It’s why rights groups are urging football federations not to vote for Morocco.