Morocco’s perseverance to host World Cup pays off

FIFA officially announced the approval of Morocco’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup together with Spain and Portugal, a milestone in an impressive journey of the football-loving north African nation.

Morocco has acted with determination to host the tournament, backed by investments in all sorts of infrastructure, from stadiums to hotels and transport. But most importantly, the country stood out by the passion its people has for football, with a memorable run in the most recent edition in Qatar, when the Atlas Lions broke all African records making it to the semi-finals.

The country bid for the tournament five times before, in 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2026, each time falling short but never losing hope. These repeated bids showcased Morocco’s unwavering commitment to bringing the world’s most prestigious football event to its shores.

Morocco’s vision for the 2030 World Cup is not just about hosting matches but creating a legacy that will benefit future generations. The country aims to use the tournament as a catalyst for social and economic development, promoting football at the grassroots level and inspiring young athletes across Africa.

Named “Yalla Vamos,” the joint bid from Morocco, Spain, and Portugal was approved by a majority of votes while the 2034 edition was awarded to Saudi Arabia.

Following the decision, FIFA chief Infantino recalled that Morocco’s fans had made a huge impression at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 when their team became the first from Africa to reach the semi-finals.

“Everyone knows the fans of Morocco. They are absolutely unique and fantastic,” he said. “The people that will go to Morocco will be welcomed like nowhere else. It will be a huge celebration of humanity, of football, of togetherness,” he said.

Speaking on the same occasion, head of the Moroccan football federation FRMF Fouzi Lekjaa said “It’s a rich moment, in many ways, starting with global representation, rarely seen or acknowledged in other fields.”

“I would like to thank you for putting your trust in my country, Morocco, along with our two partners, Portugal and Spain, to collectively host the [FIFA] World Cup in 2030. This trust that you put in my country, by nominating it within this three-party candidacy, once again proves the progress made both in terms of specific preparations for the event and global growth for the country,” he said.

Head of the African football federation (CAF) congratulated Morocco on this African achievement.

“The alliance between Morocco, Portugal, and Spain represents a symbolic bridge between Africa and Europe through football, and it inspires all stakeholders in the football world to work together to make the world a better place,” CAF president Patrice Motsepe said.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to the 54 member associations of CAF for their solidarity and unwavering support for Morocco’s bid,” he said.