Upcoming Events in Casablanca for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, with matches set to kick off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico on June 11, the city of Casablanca, Morocco's largest urban center, has yet to announce any official preparations or programs to engage its enthusiastic football fanbase. Despite the city's well-known passion for the sport, local districts have not received any formal communication regarding public space activations or designated areas for fans to gather and watch the matches featuring the Moroccan national team, commonly referred to as "Les Lions de l'Atlas."
Local district leaders expressed concerns about the lack of readiness, emphasizing that no efforts have commenced to create an environment conducive to enjoying the national team's games. The Casablanca municipality has not issued any directives on the matter, which raises questions about how the city plans to embrace this significant sporting event. According to sources, the local development company "Casablanca for Events and Activations," responsible for managing such activities, has not proposed any specific programs for public spaces that might host parallel events or broadcasts of the national team's matches, a stark contrast to the initiatives seen during the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.
In light of this absence of official activities, Yusuf Lahssini, the head of the Ain Sebaa district, announced plans to designate the Boujaâ Theater as a venue for citizens to gather and watch the national team’s matches in a festive atmosphere. This initiative aims to foster community spirit and support for the national team during their World Cup journey. Lahssini highlighted the significant enthusiasm displayed by Casablanca residents for the Moroccan national team's matches, noting that the district is working to ensure the necessary logistical conditions for a successful communal viewing experience.
Additionally, Ahmed Boufkran, the national coordinator of the Moroccan National Cafés and Restaurants Association, indicated that local business owners are also beginning to prepare for the global event. These establishments anticipate a surge in customer traffic during major matches and are thus upgrading their technical equipment by acquiring or modernizing broadcasting devices and screens. They are also arranging additional seating and optimizing their indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate as many patrons as possible who wish to enjoy the matches.
Some officials have pointed out that the nighttime scheduling of the 2026 World Cup matches could potentially result in fewer preparations, as it necessitates heightened security measures to ensure the safety of supporters, particularly women. The local community's anticipation continues to grow as they await further announcements about the city's plans to celebrate and support the Moroccan national team during this prestigious tournament.
As reported by hespress.com.
