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Morocco's 2030 World Cup: A strategic soft power move
Morocco’s selection as a co-host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal, represents a pivotal achievement in the nation's diplomatic and economic trajectory. After decades of unsuccessful attempts, this milestone solidifies Morocco’s standing on the global stage and underscores its growing influence.
A diplomatic and economic catalyst
A report by the Spanish Elcano Royal Institute, titled “World Cup 2030: The Deployment of Moroccan Soft Power on the Field”, highlights Morocco’s strategic use of the World Cup to enhance its international image, drive economic growth, and bolster the monarchy’s political stature. By hosting this historic event, Morocco aims to diversify global alliances and reaffirm its sovereignty over the disputed Sahara region.
Morocco has also emerged as a leader in African development, with investments in the continent totaling $38 billion by 2024. These efforts underline its focus on strengthening traditional alliances while building ties with nations like Russia and China.
A long-awaited milestone
After failed bids in 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2026, Morocco’s perseverance has paid off. The 2030 World Cup, coinciding with the tournament’s centennial, is expected to evoke national pride and symbolize Morocco’s role as a bridge between continents. Public enthusiasm within the country is vibrant, contrasting with the more restrained reception in Spain and Portugal.
This World Cup will be the first ever to span two continents, highlighting international cooperation in a shifting geopolitical climate. Morocco’s recent success in the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where its team made history, has further elevated national expectations for excellence in hosting.
Building for the future
The Moroccan government has allocated $5.1 billion for tournament preparations, including $1.2 billion for infrastructure upgrades. Matches will take place in six cities: Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir, centered around the Hassan II Grand Stadium in Casablanca, with a planned capacity of 115,000.
Airport expansions will increase passenger capacity to 35 million by 2029, ensuring seamless travel for global visitors. However, challenges such as regional disparities and risks of corruption in large-scale construction projects remain concerns.
Strengthening regional alliances
Morocco’s collaboration with Spain for the World Cup has deepened bilateral ties, particularly after Spain’s endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Sahara. This partnership has fostered cooperation on key issues like migration and counter-terrorism, further solidifying Morocco’s regional leadership.
The report compares Morocco’s moment to Spain’s transformative hosting of the 1992 Olympics, viewing the World Cup as a turning point in Morocco’s global emergence. Beyond football, the event is a strategic platform to project Morocco as a dynamic, stable, and modern nation connecting Africa and Europe.
A vision for global impact
Morocco envisions the World Cup as a tool to amplify its influence on the international stage, showcasing itself as a capable regional power. By leveraging football’s universal appeal, the nation seeks to achieve broader diplomatic goals, particularly advancing its stance on Sahara.
