After more than four decades and five unsuccessful attempts, Morocco is finally set to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal. The North African nation views the event as a unique opportunity to significantly boost its international image and economy.
FIFA is expected to formally ratify this joint candidacy, which will also feature one match each hosted by Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to celebrate the tournament’s centenary in South America.
Morocco’s World Cup Committee head, Fouzi Lekjaa, emphasized the “transformational potential” of the event, stating it will “accelerate national economic growth, create jobs, and boost the country’s tourism.”
In preparation, the Moroccan government has unveiled ambitious infrastructure plans for its six host cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Tangier, Marrakesh, and Agadir. This includes:
- Infrastructure Modernization: Expanding airports, roads, and transportation networks.
- Stadium Projects: Renovating six existing stadiums and constructing a massive new 115,000-seat stadium near Casablanca, costing €480 million ($507 million), which the kingdom hopes will host the final.
Morocco’s long-standing interest in hosting began after becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the knockout stage of the 1986 World Cup.
Experts note that hosting the 2030 tournament aligns with the nation’s strategy of using “football diplomacy” to cultivate stronger continental ties, highlighted by its return to the African Union in 2017 and signing numerous partnership agreements with African football federations.
Morocco is also set to stage the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in early 2026.
