- Morocco Chosen as 2030 FIFA World Cup Co-Host
- CAF President Motsepe Hails "Proud Day" for African Football
- Morocco Becomes Second African Country to Host World Cup
Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has expressed his pride and support for Morocco’s historic selection as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal.
Speaking at the FIFA Extraordinary Congress after the announcement, Dr. Motsepe praised the partnership between Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, emphasizing its symbolic significance in bridging Africa and Europe through football.
“The Morocco, Portugal, and Spain partnership brings together and unites Africa and Europe through football and inspires all of us to work together to make the world a better place,” Dr. Motsepe stated. “Today is a proud day for African football as Morocco becomes only the second African country in FIFA’s history to host the FIFA World Cup.”
Morocco’s selection as a co-host follows a remarkable achievement for the country during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where it became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. Morocco now joins South Africa, which hosted the World Cup in 2010, in an elite group of African nations to have been chosen for the prestigious event.
Dr. Motsepe took the opportunity to acknowledge Morocco’s persistent efforts to host the World Cup, offering thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government, and the people of Morocco for their unwavering support.
“We thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, for initiating and supporting Morocco’s FIFA World Cup 2030 bid,” said Dr. Motsepe. “I am proud of the role and the outstanding leadership provided by our Brother Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.”
Morocco’s bid received overwhelming support from all 54 CAF member associations, reflecting a united front within African football.
Dr. Motsepe also extended his gratitude to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the 211 FIFA member associations for entrusting Morocco with the co-hosting rights for the tournament.
“Our gratitude goes to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his visionary leadership and to the 211 Members of FIFA for awarding the co-hosting rights of the FIFA World Cup 2030 to Morocco and to Africa,” Dr. Motsepe added.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will expand to 48 teams and mark the tournament’s centennial by featuring opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay—the birthplace of the World Cup.
In addition to celebrating Morocco’s achievement, Dr. Motsepe congratulated Saudi Arabia for being selected as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. He emphasized CAF’s strong partnership with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
