Doha – Spanish sports newspaper Marca recently traveled to Morocco to witness the country’s World Cup 2030 preparations firsthand. “MARCA spent a few days in Morocco and verified ‘on site’ how the neighboring country is preparing for the 2030 World Cup that it will co-organize with Spain and Portugal,” the outlet reported.
According to Marca, Morocco is already upgrading its football and social infrastructure for the global tournament, despite being five years away. “The country, although five years remain, is already modernizing structures, both football and social, to prepare for the event,” the Spanish publication noted.
The country is currently renovating venues ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), scheduled between December 2025 and January 2026.
The 2030 World Cup will feature eleven Spanish venues, three Portuguese, and six Moroccan stadiums.
Marca details these Moroccan venues: Grand Hassan II Stadium (Casablanca, 115,000 spectators); Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat, 68,700); Grand Stadium of Tangier (75,600); Grand Stadium Agadir (46,000); Grand Stadium Fez (55,800); and Marrakech Stadium (70,000).
Five existing facilities will undergo renovation, while Casablanca’s venue represents the cornerstone development.
Marca quoted Fouzi Lekjaa, president of Morocco’s 2030 bid committee and Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF): “We want the final to be in Casablanca.”
The Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid stands as the other major option, with FIFA set to make the ultimate decision — a possibility Spanish media have been actively promoting, framing the stadium as a frontrunner in FIFA’s considerations.
Marca points out that Brahim Díaz will serve as the Atlas Lions’ star player. “Brahim Díaz, the Real Madrid forward, will be the reference,” the outlet states.
They observed him recently with the national team: “Brahim was with his national team in Morocco these days, although he did not play the first friendly on Friday against Tunisia (2-0). But he could be seen in the box even singing the national anthem.”
The stadium development project requires substantial investment. A recent report by the Center for Economic and Social Prospective reveals Morocco will allocate MAD 52 billion (approximately $5 billion) for sports infrastructure.
This extensive investment raises questions about post-tournament viability. The report warns about avoiding the fate of previous hosts like Brazil (2014) and South Africa (2010), whose stadiums became financial burdens after their respective tournaments.
For long-term sustainability, these venues must generate income beyond football matches through concerts, festivals, corporate events, and commercial activities.
The report recommends establishing regional management companies and exploring naming rights possibilities, following models like Wembley in London and Allianz Arena in Munich.
Construction proceeds with Moroccan companies TGCC and SGTM recently winning a MAD 3.2 billion ($320 million) contract for the second phase of Casablanca’s Grand Stade Hassan II project. After the tender process closed on June 10, they submitted the only bid that satisfied all technical and financial requirements.
Their scope includes heavy construction, waterproofing, steel framework, interior finishes, and carpentry. The FRMF aims for completion by December 2027.
