FIFA Arena Project to Transform Moroccan Sports Landscape
In a significant move aimed at fostering long-term benefits for Moroccan society, stakeholders from various sectors, including national government, education, and football, convened at the FIFA Africa Office in Rabat. This meeting was primarily focused on strategizing the legacy plan for the innovative FIFA Arena project, which seeks to install 30 mini-pitches across the country. This initiative follows a landmark agreement signed in January 2026 by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in collaboration with the Royal Moroccan Football Association (FRMF), the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, and the OCP Group—a global leader in plant nutrition and phosphate-based solutions.
During this insightful one-day workshop, key representatives from the relevant governmental ministries, the FRMF, and educational institutions came together to discuss how they can collaboratively ensure that these 30 FIFA Arena sites will not only serve as facilities for sporting activities but will also create a sustainable impact on the local communities. The discussions included presentations from Morocco's education ministry, the FRMF, and the OCP group, highlighting their roles in facilitating the swift implementation of this project. The first mini-pitch is set to be inaugurated in Meknes in November 2025, marking the beginning of this transformative journey.
Furthermore, various FIFA departments showcased a range of initiatives that are poised to be integrated into the FIFA Arena project, which include FIFA Football for Schools and the FIFA Talent Development Scheme. These programs are designed to promote not only football but also to address health-related issues, with a specific emphasis on encouraging women's participation in sports. The FIFA Arena project was officially launched by Mr. Infantino during the 75th FIFA Congress held in Asunción, Paraguay, in May 2025, as a part of his commitment made at the International Summit on Sports for Sustainable Development in Paris in July 2024. The overarching goal is to establish at least 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide by the time the FIFA Congress convenes again in 2031, thereby creating a global legacy of sports development and community engagement.
As reported by inside.fifa.com.
