Mikia Kalati
THE Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) yesterday supported Morocco’s bid to host the 2026 World Cup which will now be jointly hosted by the United States and Canada.
LeFA secretary general Mokhosi Mohapi, who was part of the delegation at the FIFA Congress in Russia yesterday said their vote went to Morocco.
LeFA president Salemane Phafane and public relations officer Thabo Maretlane also attended the congress.
Morocco sent a delegation to the country led by former Nigeria striker, Daniel Amokachi in May to present their bid to the sports Minister Mahali Phamotse and LeFA.
The country was looking to succeed South Africa as the second African country to host the global showcase. South Africa hosted the competition in 2010.
This year’s bid was the North African country’s fifth and they got 65 votes, less than half of the US, Mexico and Canada’s 134 votes.
The 2026 tournament will be first to have 48 teams increased from the current 32 teams. It will also have 80 games while the current one has 64 games.
Mexico has previously hosted the World Cup in 1970 and in 1986 while the US hosted the tournament in 1994.
“The United bid never bothered to present to Lesotho so it was clear they were not interested in our vote,” Mokhosi said.
“We are a Kingdom and there are only three monarchies in Africa namely eSwatini, Morocco and Lesotho if I am not mistaken.”
Mohapi said the other reason for which they voted for Morocco was to fight for the African cause.
“We had to fight for an African cause. There was a lot that we could have gained from Morocco hosting the World Cup.
“We can always talk about development and exchange programmes,” he said.
Fellow African country Zimbabwe voted for the American bid reportedly due to the pressure from their governments due to huge US programmes in Africa.
