Morocco, United States boost cooperation ahead of 2026 World Cup

Morocco and the United States have reinforced their cooperation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following high-level talks in Washington that linked football preparation with broader diplomatic relations.

Youssef Amrani met with Andrew Giuliani in discussions that placed the upcoming tournament within a wider framework of international cooperation. The meeting comes as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, a tournament expected to be the largest in FIFA history in terms of scale and global reach.

Giuliani, who oversees coordination across US federal structures responsible for logistics, security and fan movement across multiple host cities, highlighted Morocco’s growing influence in world football and its rapid development in sports infrastructure. He also pointed to positive feedback from FIFA leadership regarding Morocco’s long-term strategy of integrating football development with national progress.

The discussions also reflected how Morocco’s role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal is already shaping conversations around the 2026 edition, reinforcing the idea of continuity and shared learning between host nations.

US officials confirmed their readiness to deepen cooperation with Moroccan counterparts across operational and organisational areas, describing the 2026 and 2030 tournaments as interconnected milestones requiring sustained coordination.

Simon Bland also attended the meeting, stressing the importance of practical collaboration and knowledge exchange between both countries, particularly in areas where experience can be mutually beneficial.

Ticket demand for the 2026 World Cup has already highlighted the scale of the event, with US officials reporting millions of tickets sold and hundreds of millions of applications submitted since the first phase opened, underscoring the unprecedented global interest in the tournament.

For Ambassador Amrani, the World Cup represents more than just a sporting event. He described it as a reflection of the depth of relations between Morocco and the United States, where football becomes a platform for broader diplomatic engagement.

“This is a window onto the vitality, depth, and determination of an enduring friendship between Morocco and the United States,” he said.

He also noted the historical significance of the partnership, adding that Morocco’s role as a future World Cup host follows the United States at a symbolic moment marking 250 years of relations between both nations.

Amrani further highlighted ongoing coordination with US authorities on security matters, noting Morocco’s inclusion within the White House task force framework for the tournament as a sign of trust and strong institutional cooperation.

As preparations continue, the 2026 World Cup is increasingly emerging as a shared diplomatic and sporting project, with Morocco and the United States using football as an additional channel to strengthen strategic ties beyond the pitch.