Rabat – Morocco presented its vision for the 2030 FIFA World Cup at the fifth edition of the Olé Summit in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, placing the tournament within a broader development strategy that extends beyond the competition itself.
As the co-host of the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, Morocco was the summit’s guest of honor. The North African kingdom’s vision was presented by Morocco’s Ambassador to Argentina Fares Yasser, alongside Othmane Badssi, a mission officer at the Morocco 2030 Foundation, and Jihane Bijjou, who oversees customer experience at the foundation.
Speaking before an audience with a strong presence of young people, the three representatives discussed how preparations for the World Cup are linked to Morocco’s wider efforts to modernize infrastructure, strengthen tourism and transport, develop renewable energy, and expand opportunities for young people.
A World Cup across three continents
Yasser pointed to the distinctive geographical dimension of the 2030 tournament, which will connect Africa, Europe and South America.
Morocco and its European co-hosts Spain and Portugal will stage the main competition, while Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay are expected to host commemorative matches marking the centenary of the World Cup.
The Moroccan ambassador said the tournament should also contribute to a longer-term transformation of the country, particularly through investments in infrastructure and other sectors connected to the event.
According to Yasser, the objective is for projects associated with the 2030 deadline to leave a lasting legacy that continues to benefit Morocco beyond the tournament.
Infrastructure beyond the tournament
Badssi placed the current preparations within a development process that began well before Morocco secured the right to co-host the World Cup.
He pointed to the 2008 National Sport Conference and the establishment of the Mohammed VI Football Academy in 2009 as milestones in the country’s efforts to strengthen its sporting infrastructure and develop football talent.
The preparations for 2030 now include the modernization and construction of stadiums, the expansion of training facilities and improvements to airports, railways and hotels.
These projects are being developed not only to meet the operational requirements of the World Cup but also to strengthen Morocco’s infrastructure more broadly.
Badssi described the tournament as a potential driver of economic and territorial development, with the concept of legacy playing a central role in Morocco’s preparations.
Young people at the center
Bijjou focused on another element of Morocco’s 2030 ambitions, namely the relationship between football and society.
She noted that football extends well beyond professional clubs and academies in Morocco, forming part of everyday life in neighborhoods, public squares and beaches.
For the Morocco 2030 Foundation, she said, the tournament’s legacy should therefore also be measured by its ability to expand access to football and encourage more young people to participate in the sport.
The Olé Summit brings together figures from sport, media, technology, innovation and the entertainment industry. The event is taking place at the Usina del Arte in Buenos Aires and continues through Wednesday.
Organized by Argentine sports newspaper Olé, part of the Clarín media group, this year’s summit also coincides with the publication’s 30th anniversary.
