King Mohammed VI reviews Morocco’s preparations for 2030 FIFA World Cup bid
Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal were highlighted during a Council of Ministers session chaired by His Majesty King Mohammed VI at the Royal Palace in Rabat on Wednesday.
Progress update on Morocco’s World Cup bid
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Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance and Chairman of the 2030 World Cup Committee, presented a comprehensive update on Morocco’s efforts to meet FIFA’s stringent requirements.
Tracing the bid’s journey, Mr. Lekjaa noted its initiation with the King’s announcement of the joint candidacy in Kigali on 14 March 2023. This was followed by FIFA’s unanimous endorsement of the Morocco-Spain-Portugal bid as the sole candidacy on 4 October 2023, prompting an extraordinary national mobilisation to prepare a bid dossier that surpassed FIFA’s expectations.
“FIFA’s evaluation report on 29 November 2024 awarded the bid an outstanding score, significantly exceeding stipulated requirements,” Mr. Lekjaa stated, expressing confidence that the bid would be officially awarded during FIFA’s upcoming extraordinary Council Congress.
Comprehensive infrastructure upgrades
The preparations include ambitious infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring Morocco’s readiness to host the global event. These initiatives, in line with directives from His Majesty, involve:
- Upgrading stadiums to international standards.
- Renovating and expanding airports in the six host cities.
- Enhancing road networks and intra-urban connections.
- Launching integrated territorial development programs beyond host cities.
- Strengthening telecommunications and medical services.
- Expanding hotel and commercial infrastructure.
- Initiating training programs for youth skill development.
Catalyst for economic growth
Mr. Lekjaa emphasised the transformative potential of hosting the World Cup, stating: “The 2030 World Cup will not only be a sporting event but also a unique opportunity to accelerate the national economy's growth momentum, create more job opportunities, boost Morocco’s tourist appeal, and promote the universal values of peace, unity, and sustainable development.”
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International engagement and energy sector reforms
The session also approved six international conventions to bolster Morocco’s global partnerships, focusing on areas such as criminal justice, cross-border crime, and military cooperation.
In another significant move, Zouhair Chorfi was appointed Chairman of the National Electricity Regulatory Authority, with directives for its transformation into a broader energy sector regulatory body. This reform aims to include emerging energy sources like hydrogen and align with international best practices.
Morocco’s bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup underscores its commitment to global collaboration and sustainable development while serving as a testament to the nation’s readiness to host one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.