As the 2030 FIFA World Cup draws closer, Morocco is steadfastly promoting its aspirations to co-host this global event alongside Spain and Portugal. During its participation in the Olé Summit 2026 held in Argentina, a Moroccan delegation outlined the key preparations the Kingdom is undertaking, while also expressing its strong desire to have Casablanca as the venue for the final match.
According to an article by the Argentine media outlet Olé, Morocco is banking on the future Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane as a crucial element of its bid to host the World Cup final. This new stadium, currently under construction, is projected to accommodate 115,000 spectators, showcasing Morocco's commitment to creating world-class sporting facilities.
"We dream of a final between Argentina and Morocco in Casablanca," declared the Moroccan delegation during their presentation at the Usina del Arte, as reported by Olé. Present at the event, Morocco's ambassador to Argentina, Fares Yassir, emphasized the significant progress Moroccan football has made in recent years and highlighted the continental dimension that the Kingdom aims to bring to its project.
Yassir stated, "We can already assert that Morocco is a football powerhouse given what it has achieved in a short period. Now, we want to consolidate our status and demonstrate to the world that Africa has the capability, and Morocco is at the forefront for the entire continent," remarks echoed by the Argentine media.
The ambassador also looked ahead to the presence of Argentine supporters in 2030, expressing confidence that there would be a larger turnout than in Qatar. Beyond sporting facilities, the Moroccan delegation sought to present the 2030 World Cup as part of a much broader initiative. Azzeddine Bijjou, a representative from the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), highlighted the investments being made across various sectors.
"The infrastructure is top-notch, whether it involves stadiums, airports, high-speed trains, or green energy, all equipped with the necessary amenities for tourism," he explained. Moreover, the geographical proximity between Morocco and Spain is viewed as a significant advantage for this World Cup being hosted across the Strait of Gibraltar. Bijjou illustrated this by portraying a scenario where a supporter could attend a morning match in Tangier and then travel to Seville for another match in the afternoon.
Olé also covered the development of Moroccan football and the investments made in training and infrastructure in recent years. Jihane Bijjou and Othmane Badssi, respectively manager and mission director at the Morocco 2030 Foundation, recalled the visit of Carlos Bilardo to Morocco in the 1970s and how the former Argentine coach had recognized the country's football potential.
They explained, "Football does not begin in stadiums but in neighborhoods. It is evident in the squares and streets. Today, there is a structure that nurtures this passion, with academies and local fields." For the Moroccan delegation, the World Cup is intended to serve as a catalyst for an already ongoing transformation, with infrastructures designed to last well beyond 2030. "This is not merely a stadium for a tournament, but a legacy for many years to come," emphasized the Moroccan representatives.
Through its presence at the Olé Summit 2026, Morocco seized an important platform in South America to showcase its project ahead of the World Cup. With a clearly stated ambition in the background: to make Casablanca the stage for the 2030 World Cup final.
As reported by sport.le360.ma.
