Morocco says it wants to deliver a “model” World Cup in 2030, building on what it calls the success of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking in Rabat, Fouzi Lekjaa said Morocco was ready to take on a new level of challenge through a joint bid with Spain and Portugal for the centenary World Cup.
Mr Lekjaa, who is budget minister and head of the Moroccan football federation, told Moroccan, Spanish and Portuguese business leaders that many observers saw the last Africa Cup of Nations as the best edition ever held. He said this success gave Morocco a strong base to prepare for 2030.
The 2030 tournament would be the first World Cup held in three countries across two continents. It would be hosted by Morocco in Africa and by Spain and Portugal in Europe.
Mr Lekjaa said this format would bring shared challenges in security, planning, transport and infrastructure. But he said the three countries had the skills and experience needed to deliver a high-quality event.
He was speaking at the Morocco-Spain-Portugal business forum, held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex near Rabat, with government officials, business leaders and diplomats from the three countries.
Mr Lekjaa also said major sports events could help bring young people closer across borders and strengthen cultural and human ties. He said sport was a key tool for dialogue and cooperation.
The forum aims to speed up preparations for the 2030 World Cup by improving coordination between the three countries and by opening talks on major projects linked to the event.
Discussions are focused on stadiums and infrastructure, transport and smart mobility, tourism and hotels, as well as digital and logistics services. Organisers say these sectors are expected to see strong growth in the coming years.
