Morocco handed 5 consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup editions

A FIFA statement emphasized the role of infrastructure and sustainability in the decision-making process

Morocco has been chosen to host the next five editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

This announcement comes after the FIFA Council’s decision on Thursday, March 14, 2024, to expand the tournament to 24 teams and hold it annually.

Previously held every two years, the U-17 Women’s World Cup will now offer a more frequent platform for aspiring young female footballers to showcase their skills on a global stage.

With its existing football infrastructure, Morocco emerged as the preferred candidate following a worldwide bidding process.

In a statement released on its website, FIFA emphasized the role of infrastructure and sustainability in the decision-making process.

“These two countries were chosen following a worldwide call for bids, one of the key criteria being the use of existing soccer infrastructures for logistical efficiency and sustainability,” the statement read.

This development comes alongside the announcement that the men’s U-17 World Cup will also be revamped, expanding to 48 teams and held annually.

Qatar was awarded hosting rights for the next five editions of the men’s tournament.

The focus on increased competition and infrastructure utilization reflects FIFA’s commitment to the future of football at all levels.

This announcement comes on the heels of another significant development for Moroccan football.

In October 2023, the joint bid by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal was chosen as the sole candidate to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

This historic event will see the three nations share the responsibility of organizing the tournament, with the exception of the opening matches slated for Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.