Morocco World Cup would be 'almost European'

Morocco is bidding to host the World Cup for the fifth time and bid chief executive Hicham El Amrani is keen for European nations to get behind his country's offering in the face of rival interest from the US, Canada and Mexico.

"A Moroccan World Cup is not just an African World Cup," he told 'BBC Sport'.

"It would also be almost a European World Cup with the south of Spain just 14km (nine miles) away.

"We're just a few hours' flying distance from capital cities across Europe, and the European countries will provide a huge number of fans."

Should Morocco's bid be successful, they would be only the second African country to host the tournament, after South Africa in 2010.

The vote to decide who will host the 2026 edition of the tournament will take place on June 13, just a day before the 2018 competition gets underway in Russia.

Whilst the US-led bid will provide stern competition, El Amrani is confident of Morocco's ability to deliver.

"There is confidence from our meetings with member associations across Europe, they understand where we come from," El Amrani said. "They know Moroccan hospitality and vibrancy.

"Infrastructure-wise, without a doubt we can deliver.

"The concept is quite unique, because not only are [the stadia] built to the best international operational standards, but it also opens up space for multi-functional use of the stadium, for other sports and also entertainment.

"It will transform the way we use stadiums, not only for football, but as a living space which the community can use 365 days a year."