The Guinean Football Federation (FEGUIFOOT) has announced that the Syli National will host Algeria’s Fennecs in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Monday, September 8 — but not on home soil.

 Instead, the politically sensitive clash will unfold in Casablanca, Morocco, a country with whom Algeria shares a deeply strained diplomatic and sporting relationship. Guinea’s stadium have not passed the necessary tests for international matches, hence their home matches are played outside the country.

The match is slated for a 5 p.m. kickoff at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, forming part of the 8th round of CAF qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Guinea, placed in Group G, currently sits fifth with 7 points, behind Botswana and Uganda (both on 9 points), while Algeria tops the group with 15 points, followed by Mozambique on 12. Somalia languishes at the bottom with a solitary point.

While Morocco has emerged as a preferred neutral ground for numerous African national teams due to infrastructure, stability, and CAF approval, the selection of Casablanca as the venue for Algeria’s away match carries heightened symbolic weight. Morocco and Algeria severed diplomatic ties in 2021, and relations have remained icy, reflected even in sports, where Algerian teams and athletes often avoid competitions held in Morocco.

This match, therefore, pits Algeria against Guinea on Moroccan soil — a situation loaded with subtext. While Algeria will be the visiting team in footballing terms, the venue may feel even more hostile given the political backdrop and fan sentiments in Morocco.

The encounter is expected to be fiercely contested, not only for its significance in the standings but also for the geopolitical tensions simmering beneath the surface.

 It remains to be seen how both players and supporters navigate the politically charged environment surrounding what is, on paper, a neutral venue.

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FIFA is reportedly considering a dramatic reshuffling of the 2026 World Cup hosting arrangement. There is mounting speculation that matches scheduled for the United States could be relocated to Canada. This is due to escalating visa and immigration concerns.

Multiple sources close to the global football governing body indicate that recent U.S. immigration policies—seen as exclusionary—are threatening the integrity and inclusivity of the tournament.

Human rights groups and fan associations have raised alarms over visa restrictions that currently affect nationals from up to 43 countries, making travel into the U.S. nearly impossible for fans, media personnel, and team support staff.

The issue is particularly acute for qualified nations like Iran, whose teams may play without any fan presence in the stands due to their citizens being unable to secure U.S. entry visas. The situation has sparked outrage among supporters and advocates, who accuse FIFA of undermining its own principles of “access and non-discrimination.”

“FIFA risks contradicting its own statutes and public commitments to human rights, accessibility, and inclusion,” one observer noted, citing the organization’s obligation to avoid “any situation giving rise to a conflict of interests.”

Critics argue that by allowing the U.S. to impose stringent travel restrictions during a supposedly global event, FIFA is enabling an environment of exclusion and inequity.

While the U.S. remains a financial powerhouse and a key commercial partner in the joint hosting arrangement with Mexico and Canada, insiders say Canada is emerging as the “most logical” alternative. Canada offers political neutrality, logistical readiness, and a stable immigration policy that aligns more closely with FIFA’s stated values.

With just under a year to go before the 2026 tournament kicks off, FIFA is under increasing pressure to act decisively. A potential relocation of matches could mark a seismic shift in tournament logistics and planning, but would underscore FIFA’s willingness to uphold its principles in the face of political pressure.

FIFA has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

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FIFA has officially announced that the application period for the first ticket draw for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will open on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, as anticipation builds for what is being billed as the biggest and most inclusive tournament in the history of the competition.

Football fans around the world are urged to visit FIFA.com/tickets to register their interest and create a FIFA ID in preparation for the first ticket sales window.

“Following the incredible success of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, excitement is reaching new heights for the FIFA World Cup 26,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the world back to North America, as Canada, Mexico and the United States host what will be the biggest and greatest sporting event ever.”

The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, significantly expanding from the previous 32-team format.

An estimated 6.5 million fans are expected to attend, making it the largest FIFA World Cup ever.

The action begins on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in Mexico City, with the grand finale scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026, at the New York-New Jersey stadium—venue of last Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup™ final.

 That tournament welcomed nearly 2.5 million fans across 11 U.S. cities, laying a solid foundation for the World Cup spectacle to come.

Ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will be conducted in multiple phases, beginning with the 10 September draw.

Each phase will feature unique purchasing processes, payment methods, and ticket types. Full details on the various phases will be shared in the coming months.

Fans are reminded that only those who have registered on FIFA.com/tickets and obtained a FIFA ID will be eligible to apply for tickets when the window opens.

Hospitality packages, including the “Follow My Team” option for group and round-of-32 matches, are already available for purchase at FIFA.com/hospitality.

Importantly, FIFA has emphasised that tickets should only be purchased through official FIFA channels to avoid invalid or fraudulent sales. Fans must also check with host country authorities regarding entry requirements, as a match ticket does not guarantee visa approval or access.

Visa, FIFA’s Official Payment Technology Partner, remains the preferred payment method for all ticket and hospitality purchases.

The Final Draw for the tournament will take place in December 2025, after which teams will be assigned to venues and match schedules, including confirmed kick-off times.

With global anticipation growing, FIFA encourages fans to start preparing now to witness football history unfold in North America.

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