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Rabat — Morocco is joined by communities across Africa and Europe in celebrating their successful bid to host the World Cup, alongside Portugal and Spain.
On Wednesday, football governing body FIFA officially awarded the bid to the three nations.
Officials from the three countries and others have expressed their satisfaction with the historic milestone.
In a recorded video statement displayed during FIFA’s virtual extraordinary Congress, Lekjaa said that this decision marks a significant achievement, reflecting not only Morocco’s progress in preparations for the event but also the country’s broader development under the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI.
“I cannot fully express my gratitude to each of you for making this shared moment of joy possible—a moment rich in many ways, starting with the universal representation rarely seen or experienced in other fields,” Lekjaa said.
He thanked FIFA for playing its trust in Morocco and its partners, noting that the confidence demonstrates the progress made both in terms of specific preparations for the event and in the global development of the country.
“This will not only contribute to the success of the organization but also to the realization of what we have defended, namely the sport in general and football in particular, serve as a lever for development in terms of socio economic and human progress,” Lekjaa added.
Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) emphasized how important the official designation of Morocco as the host country is for Africa.
“This day is a source of great pride for African football, as Morocco becomes the second African country in FIFA history to host the World Cup,” Motsepe said, noting that CAF is delighted with the historic event.
Extending CAF’s congratulations, Motsepe also expressed “deep gratitude” to King Mohammed VI as well as to the Moroccan government and people for launching and supporting the bid.
Fernando Gomes, President of the Portuguese Football Federation echoed the same sentiment, noting that Spain, Morocco and Portugal have presented a “multicultural, multilingual, and multi-geographical bid.”
“There is no better occasion than the World Cup to promote diversity, integration, human rights as the foundation and pillar of the competition, and sustainability as a declared goal,” he said, noting that the three countries want to reach new levels in the field of the environment.
He pledged that the three countries will promote and take care of the most globalized sport on the planet.
Morocco had previously attempted to host the global tournament on multiple occasions, but it lost its bid for the 2026 World Cup to the joint candidacy of the US, Mexico, as well as to Canada in 2018.
Earlier this month, King Mohammed VI chaired a ministerial council focusing on the country’s preparations for its bid to co-host the tournament.
The council discussed extensive plans for infrastructure development, including upgrades to stadiums, airports and national roads, as well as investments in the hospitality, medical, and telecommunications sectors.
The King also instructed the creation of an expanded committee, which will include representatives from the government, civil society, the Moroccan diaspora, and African experts.
“It is a candidacy which unites the two shores of the Mediterranean and reflects the ambitions and aspirations of the peoples of the region for further cooperation, interaction, and understanding,” the monarch said in a 2023 speech on the World Cup.
In addition to Morocco being part of the trio hosting the World Cup in 2030, Saudi Arabia is confirmed as the host for 2034, marking another win for the MENA region.
