Casablanca – Morocco is expected to host the 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup, according to an exclusive report published Thursday by Spanish outlet Futsalia.

Journalist Gustavo Muñana reported that FIFA has favored Morocco to organize the competition, citing an understanding between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) president Fouzi Lekjaa dating back to 2023.

It confirmed that Morocco would become the first African country to host the FIFA Futsal World Cup since the competition began in 1989.

According to Futsalia, the arrangement emerged after Morocco was considered a potential host for the 2024 edition, which FIFA ultimately awarded to Uzbekistan.

The Spanish outlet claims Infantino subsequently informed Lekjaa that Morocco would be given the opportunity to organize the following edition.

However, FIFA has neither confirmed such an agreement nor published an official decision awarding Morocco the hosting rights.

Three Moroccan cities reportedly identified

Futsalia identified Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier as the proposed host cities, with matches potentially taking place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Mohammed V indoor arena, and Olympique Arena.

The report arrives amid continued interest from other countries, including Spain and Indonesia.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, sources within the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) recently reiterated the country’s willingness to host major international futsal competitions, including the World Cup.

Morocco’s ambitions, however, are not new.

In October 2024, Lekjaa publicly expressed the FRMF’s intention to bid for the 2028 tournament during a reception honoring Morocco’s national futsal team after its World Cup campaign in Uzbekistan.

Under coach Hicham Dguig, Morocco has won four African futsal titles in 2016, 2020, 2024, and 2026.

The latest triumph came on October 21, when the Atlas Lions defeated Angola 5-2 in Rabat to retain their continental crown.

Morocco also reached the quarter-finals of the 2021 and 2024 Futsal World Cups, losing to eventual champions Brazil on both occasions.

The North African country’s experience organizing international futsal competitions could strengthen its hosting ambitions, particularly after successfully staging the 2024 and 2026 African championships.

FIFA has already confirmed that the 2028 Futsal World Cup will take place from October 7 to 29, with 24 national teams competing.

The selection of Morocco would guarantee the national team a place in the tournament and bring the competition to Africa for the first time.

Futsalia’s report remains an independently unconfirmed claim, with the final decision resting with FIFA.