After many unsuccessful and sometimes even frustrating attempts, Morocco will now have the right to host the world's greatest soccer event. The 2030 World Cup, won by the trio of Morocco, Portugal and Spain, is above all a great victory for the Kingdom of Morocco, which has never given up in its quest. News that delights the Moroccan people.
The news quickly spread like wildfire.When it was announced on Wednesday, October 04, 2023, Moroccans widely welcomed the choice of the trio formed with Spain and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup. This choice follows several unsuccessful attempts. At times, Morocco came very close to winning the bid (notably in 1998), but on a number of occasions, influence was also brought to bear on the Kingdom's bid.
Although the news was well received, the Moroccans were not overly enthusiastic, as the World Cup will not be organized on its own due to the number of participating countries (48). But hosting several matches is already a major victory for the Moroccan bid. In Casablanca, there were a few scenes of joy. Groups of Wydad supporters on their way to Complexe Mohammed V for the match between the Red and Whites and Zemamra livened up the streets for several minutes after the announcement.
"A beautiful consecration
"The appointment of Spain, Portugal and Morocco to host the 2030 World Cup is excellent news and a source of great pride," wrote the President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez. "Two continents - Africa and Europe - united not only in a celebration of soccer, but also in ensuring a unique social and cultural cohesion. What a beautiful message of peace, tolerance and inclusion," said FIFA boss Gianni Infantino at the end of the world soccer body's Council meeting, held by videoconference.
On the whole, Moroccan soccer fans welcome the strategy put in place with neighbouring countries to host the world's biggest soccer event. The proximity of Spain and Portugal makes it easier for fans to travel between the two continents, and will above all be a great asset for Europe, which has the most representatives at the World Cup.
"It's great news and makes us all proud," says one young soccer fan."What a year! Making a World Cup semi-final, winning the CAN U23, winning the CAN 2025 and now the World Cup... I can't take it any more, I love this country too much...", rejoices another.
"It's a great consecration for Morocco!It's a dream come true for all Moroccans," adds Hicham A. This fan just can't believe it after several attempts.For him, it's important that the World Cup "makes a comeback on the African continent"."Morocco is a soccer country
Contacted by SNA, Izem Anass, a member of the Executive Committee of the Union of Moroccan Sports Journalists and President of the Union Sportive de Berkane, expressed his "sense of pride".
"Above all, it's our dream finally coming true after years of waiting. But all this is also thanks to the work carried out by King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, over the years, not forgetting also FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, who is doing an excellent job".
He continued: "I'm always optimistic, because Morocco is a soccer country. So we'll see you in 2025 for the African Cup, and then in 2030 for the World Cup.
We would also like to thank the President of CAF and the President of FIFA for their confidence and support...".
With some infrastructures ready, others underway and others in the pipeline, Morocco will now have to turn its attention to the challenge of successfully staging the event. The first test will be the 2025 AFCON.
