Morocco is a serious contender to host the 2026 World Cup as 103 football associations over 207 already support the North African country, Spanish media El Universal said.

Morocco can rely on African, European, and Arab votes, the media said.

The media cites the FBI crackdown on Latin American football figures and the Trump factor as playing in favor of Morocco’s bid to host the 2026 tournament.

Morocco has already garnered the support of the bulk of Africa, Russia, and its allies in Europe and the Arab world as well as some Caribbean countries such as the Dominican republic ahead of the public vote on the host country that will take place in June 13 in Moscow.

Yet, prior to proceeding to the vote, the FIFA Task Force, which will visit Morocco later this month, will have to give its green light.

Morocco has protested the criteria announced by the task force 48 hours before the deadline for submitting the bid-books. Moroccan football federation said in a letter to FIFA chief that these criteria show an intention to sideline Morocco from the World Cup race.

Morocco is making its fifth bid to host the 2026 World Cup, the first edition to involve 48 teams and 80 games packed into 32 competition days.