Morocco is in a strong position to be selected as the host for the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. While no official announcement has been made by FIFA, reports indicate organisers are actively exploring the North African nation as the venue for the 48-team tournament.
A final decision on the host nation is still pending from world football's governing body. The tournament is scheduled for 2029 and would represent a significant expansion from the previous 32-team format used when the United States hosted the last edition. This growth is designed to broaden continental representation, bringing together leading clubs from every confederation.
Format and qualification
The 2029 edition is expected to feature 48 teams, a notable increase designed to include more clubs from around the globe. Specific qualification arrangements for the tournament remain subject to official confirmation from FIFA. It is anticipated that the Moroccan league champions from the 2028-2029 season would earn a place as the host nation's representative if the bid is successful. The expanded format is part of FIFA's strategy to raise the prestige and global reach of the Club World Cup, creating a more inclusive and competitive tournament that mirrors the scale of international football's major events.
A strategic stepping stone
Selecting Morocco would provide a key opportunity to assess stadium readiness and organisational structures one year before the country co-hosts the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. The bid is reportedly supported by the nation's ongoing stadium modernisation, extensive hotel facilities, and proven logistical capabilities from hosting other major continental and international sporting events. This includes recent experience with the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022, 2023, and 2025, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations and the African Nations Championship, which have demonstrated Morocco's operational expertise and infrastructure.
Hosting the Club World Cup would place Morocco at the centre of global club football and strengthen its position as a key destination for major competitions. Discussions are understood to be ongoing between FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the scheduling of this and other international tournaments. The decision is seen as a critical step in Morocco's long-term football development strategy, aiming to leave a lasting legacy of world-class facilities and enhanced administrative capacity for future events.
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