Moroccans bitter over World Cup 2026 flop

The award of the 2026 World Cup to North America today was met with bitter disappointment in Morocco, after its fifth failed bid to host the tournament.

The joint ticket of the United States, Canada and Mexico won 134 votes, compared to 65 for Morocco, at a FIFA Congress in Moscow where this year's World Cup kicks off tomorrow.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani saluted the "seriousness and professionalism" of Morocco's bid committee, which itself warmly congratulated the winners.

On the streets of Rabat, nearly deserted during the final days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, 49-year-old Abdelmula was less diplomatic.

"It was Africa's turn, but (the vote) was biased because Morocco is part of the Third World and the powerful may have conspired against it," he told AFP.

Said, 62, blamed the African kingdom's loss on US pressure.

"Unfortunately, we can't help it. Things turned political when President (Donald) Trump threatened those who were going to vote for us," he said.

- Trump 'threats' -
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- 'Knives in the back' -
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Samira Sitail, head of public broadcaster M2, tweeted: "The United States has a new state. It is Arab and Muslim, easily exploitable, and it loves to put knives in friends' backs."