Morocco have replaced Ukraine in a three-way bid with Spain and Portugal to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup.

However, with Ukraine having been invaded by Russia in February 2022 and still being at war with their neighbouring country, Morocco have taken their place.

Morocco caused a surprise at the 2022 World Cup as they became the first African side to reach the semi-finals.

They lost to France in the last four before being beaten by Croatia in the third-place play-off.

“I would like to announce that the Kingdom of Morocco has decided, together with Spain and Portugal, to present a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup,” Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said in a letter read by the country’s minister of sport Chakib Benmoussa in Kigali, where Fifa is hosting its 73rd congress.

“This joint bid, which is unprecedented in football history, will bring together Africa and Europe, the northern and southern Mediterranean, and the African, Arab and Euro-Mediterranean worlds.

“It will also bring out the best in all of us – in effect a combination of genius, creativity, experience and means.”

Morocco missed out to South Africa in the race to host the 2010 World Cup.

Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay have also submitted a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.