Mustapha Hadji hopes for second African World Cup

Wednesday Jun 13, 2018. 10:00

Former Moroccan international midfielder Mustapha Hadji says the 2026 World Cup tournament will benefit the whole African continent.

Hadji was speaking just before FIFA announces the country to host to the global showpiece in 2026, as the North Africans hope to get the nod.

Herve Renard’s assistant coach represented the Atlas Lions in 1998 in France and has described football as a passion and a tradition in Africa.

The 1998 CAF African Footballer of the Year is convinced that Morocco can give to the world a great sporting competition should they win the bid to host in 2026.

“Sport is our second religion,” said Mustapha Hadji, the Atlas Lions assistant coach.

“Organising the World Cup in 2026 will be a great opportunity to develop our country. It will benefit to the whole continent.

“Sport is our second religion, our opium, a wonderful opportunity to our youth, to give them hope.

“We are a big football ground, the World Cup can only be exceptional at home. I believe that 99% of Moroccans live football every day. When there is a great match of any team, all the cafes are full.”

The vote to decide which bid will be given the hosting rights of the 2026 World Cup will be held in Moscow during the 68th FIFA Congress on Wednesday, June 13.

According to the agenda, the symposium will begin in Moscow on Wednesday morning, but the Moroccans face a fierce competition from three North American countries, Canada, the United States of America and Mexico.