Morocco’s journey in the World Cup concluded with a quarter-final exit against France, but the nation’s football officials, part of the FRMF, face no respite. With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) set to kick off in Rabat just a week after the World Cup final in New Jersey, and the Under-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled for autumn, the pace of work remains relentless.
The primary concern lies ahead, with merely 1,400 days until the centenary 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will host alongside Spain and Portugal. Ensuring that preparations are executed efficiently for this momentous event is critical, especially as it marks the second World Cup to be held on African soil.
Financial Commitments and Infrastructure Development
With a staggering budget of 50 to 60 billion Moroccan dirhams (£4 billion to £4.8 billion) earmarked for direct football investments, alongside an additional £17 billion for infrastructure improvements, the challenges are immense. An assessment from the International Monetary Fund estimated that ramped-up spending from 2024 to 2030 could represent about 11.9% of Morocco’s GDP for 2024.
The Morocco 2030 Foundation, tasked with organizing the tournament preparations since 2024, has dedicated significant time to studying the U.S. approach to World Cup organization.
International Collaboration and Local Readiness
Monthly meetings with representatives from Spain and Portugal are ongoing “The World Cup, for Morocco, is beyond football; it is about developing infrastructure that would be beneficial for the country going forward,” while FIFA is anticipated to announce the host cities by the end of this year and decide whether the local organizing committee (LOC) model will be reinstated, which was set aside for this year’s tournament in favor of preparations managed from Miami.
“Our stadiums in Rabat and Tangier are 100% ready.” stated a high-ranking official who chose to remain anonymous. “Being in my 40s, I bear testimony to all the unsuccessful bids to host the World Cup,”
Historical Context and National Sentiment
King Hassan II, who ruled for 38 years until his death in July 1999, initiated Morocco’s bid to host the World Cup with an unsuccessful attempt for the 1994 tournament. Following three more failed bids in 2006, 2010, and 2026, the current monarch, King Mohammed VI, secured the 2030 hosting rights.
“Hosting a World Cup is a project that engages every Moroccan in a common dream, knowing that a World Cup comes with a cost, but also with a huge boost to the infrastructure of a very young and very demanding society.” remarked journalist Amine El Amri. “Others with political positions wonder whether the huge investments should be directed toward education, health, or employment,”
Abderrahim Bourkia, a sports sociologist from the Institute of Sports Science in Settat, acknowledges the skepticism expressed by some regarding the World Cup’s significance.
“Social status and educational background can shape perceptions too. Public opinion, therefore, remains somewhat ambivalent, reflecting differences in social background, political views, and economic expectations. “Morocco is investing heavily in transport infrastructure, airports, railways, stadiums, urban renewal and digital services. Beyond physical infrastructure, the country is strengthening its institutional capacity to organise mega-events, coordinate policies and improve governance.”
he noted.
“Social status and educational background can influence perceptions as well. Thus, public opinion remains somewhat divided, reflecting variances in social background, political views, and economic expectations.
“Our experience shows that ‘success’ lies in planning for legacy, promoting national unity and ensuring infrastructure does not become a burden over the long term,”
Drawing lessons from South Africa’s 2010 World Cup hosting experience would benefit Morocco greatly. “Some stadiums can become a burden on the fiscus, if not utilised optimally. I don’t believe we built white elephants, but we may not have learned how to position these venues as multi-purpose venues, for concerts of global performers, multi-sports use, church and massive political events.” advised Dennis Mumble, a former CEO of the South African Football Association and a member of the 2010 World Cup’s LOC.
“There were significant cost overruns on the stadium development because the contractors knew the government approved the funds quite late. The result was predatory pricing imposed by contractors who knew we had no choice but to pay whatever they charged. “They were later [criminally] charged and convicted, paying relatively steep fines for this unlawful conduct. Planning to the most minute detail became everything for us.”
As many Moroccans express concerns about the hosting costs, Mumble shares a cautionary anecdote from South Africa’s experience. “There were significant cost overruns on stadium development because the contractors were aware that the government approved the funds rather late. Consequently, this led to predatory pricing by contractors who knew we had no option but to pay whatever they demanded.
“They were later charged criminally and convicted, facing considerable fines for their unlawful conduct. Planning to the most minute detail became everything for us.”
Morocco is promoting its role as co-host of the World Cup as “one with African colors,” yet many within the continent’s football community, especially sub-Saharan countries, are questioning whether there will be real legacy benefits beyond mere public relations slogans.
Over the last decade, the FRMF has established bilateral cooperation agreements with most football federations across Africa. With nearly half of African nations lacking top-quality pitches for international matches, forcing them to host games abroad, Moroccan officials are advocating for a partnership with the Confederation of African Football to address this issue as part of their World Cup legacy initiative.
Mumble advises that managing Morocco’s global reputation will be as significant a challenge as the logistical preparations, given the heightened media scrutiny of its political, economic, and social circumstances.
This is a lesson Qatar, the 2022 host, knows all too well, having faced intense backlash over the treatment of migrant workers and human rights violations.
