Morocco could face a major challenge in its bid to host the 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup, with Spain reportedly considering a competing candidacy to bring the prestigious tournament back to European soil.
The North African kingdom has ambitious plans to become the first African nation to host the competition, but Spain is also looking to strengthen its position as an international sporting destination.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is open to hosting major international tournaments, with futsal among the disciplines it hopes to develop further.
The potential competition between the two countries adds another interesting dimension to the race for the 2028 tournament, particularly as Morocco continues to establish itself as one of the world's leading futsal nations.
Spain Emerges as a Potential Rival
Spain has reportedly expressed interest in organising another major international competition, with the 2028 Futsal World Cup among the possibilities being considered.
Speaking to *AS*, sources within the RFEF indicated that the federation would welcome the opportunity to host major sporting events.
- "We remain open to all possibilities. Previously, Spain rarely submitted bids for this type of event, and we would be delighted to host such tournaments," federation sources told the Spanish newspaper.
Spain also has a historical connection with the competition. The country has not hosted a FIFA Futsal World Cup since the previous century, giving its potential candidacy an additional sporting dimension.
Beyond futsal, Spain is reportedly exploring opportunities to organise other major tournaments, including a possible European Championship between 2028 and 2030.
Morocco Dreams of Bringing the World Cup to Africa
Morocco, meanwhile, has strong ambitions of securing the hosting rights and making history for African futsal.
The Atlas Lions have established themselves as a dominant force on the continent, winning four consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles and strengthening their reputation on the international stage.
Hosting the 2028 tournament would represent another significant milestone for Moroccan sport, while giving Africa its first opportunity to stage the FIFA Futsal World Cup.
Spanish specialist outlet *Futsalia* has gone further, suggesting that Morocco could ultimately host the competition. However, such reports should be treated cautiously, as FIFA has not officially confirmed the host nation.
For Morocco, the potential tournament would offer an opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure, organisational experience and growing influence in international futsal.
Africa Still Waiting for Its First Futsal World Cup
The geographical distribution of previous tournaments highlights the significance of Morocco's ambitions.
Asia has hosted four editions, with Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Uzbekistan staging the competition. Europe and the Americas have each hosted three editions.
Africa, however, has never organised the FIFA Futsal World Cup.
A Moroccan victory in the hosting race would therefore represent a historic moment, bringing one of FIFA's major indoor football competitions to a continent that has yet to experience the tournament as host.
It would also provide an important platform for African futsal, offering local supporters the chance to watch the world's best national teams compete on home soil.
Indonesia Also Among the Potential Candidates
Morocco and Spain are not necessarily the only countries interested in the 2028 edition.
Indonesia has also been mentioned among the potential candidates, meaning the race could involve several competing bids before FIFA reaches its final decision.
For now, the bidding process remains open, and the international governing body has yet to make an official announcement regarding the host nation or the tournament schedule.
Consequently, claims that Morocco has already secured the competition remain unconfirmed.
A Historic Opportunity for Moroccan Futsal
Morocco's recent achievements have transformed its standing in international futsal. The national team has become a continental powerhouse and continues to attract attention through its performances against leading international opposition.
Securing the 2028 World Cup would take that progress to another level, allowing the country to combine its sporting ambitions with the opportunity to make history for African football.
Spain's potential interest adds competition, but it also highlights the growing international appeal of the tournament.
Morocco wants to bring the world's biggest futsal stage to Africa for the first time. Whether the historic opportunity will belong to the Atlas Lions' home nation or another candidate now depends on FIFA's final decision.