Latest news with #2030WorldCup
Maroc
3 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
2030 World Cup to 'Propel' Morocco's Economic Growth - Spanish Think-Tank
The joint hosting of the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal will "propel" Morocco's economic growth and enshrine its diplomatic positioning, Spanish think-tank Real Instituto Elcano stresses. In an analysis named "World Cup 2030: Grand entrance of Moroccan soft power", Antonio Navarro Amuedo, specialist in the Maghreb and the Middle East and a member of the think-tank, writes that the objective is clearly "to strengthen Morocco's international influence, by showcasing the image of a modern, tolerant and emerging country". On the economic front, the author stresses that hosting the World Cup will stimulate the Kingdom's economic growth, through a vast program to modernize road, airport, rail and urban infrastructure. Aware of the positive spin-offs that the World Cup could have on the country's development, Morocco has been fully committed to preparing for this global sporting event ever since the Kingdom presented a joint bid with Spain and Portugal, he recalls, noting that the Grand Stade of Casablanca embodies this "new brand of Morocco, an ambitious, forward-looking country". According to the Real Instituto Elcano, sport, part of this soft power strategy, can be used as a vector of attraction and influence to make the 2030 World Cup the symbol of an emerging Morocco, just as the Barcelona Olympics were for Spain in 1992. Highlighting the 'successes achieved' by Moroccan diplomacy in recent years, the prestigious think tank states that co-hosting the 2030 World Cup is 'the culmination of a renewed Moroccan foreign policy, marked by the diversification of alliances beyond the traditional European and American partners'. This strategic repositioning is accompanied by Morocco's assertive return to the African stage, driven by two major priorities: the preservation of its territorial integrity and the quest for greater autonomy in the economic, security and defense fields, the think-tank adds. MAP: 27 mai 2025
Morocco World
21-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Pledges More Sports Infrastructure Projects as AFCON, World Cup Approach
Rabat – President of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) Fouzi Lekjaa emphasized the importance of organizing sporting events to boost the country's economic development. Lekjaa made his remarks on Tuesday as part of the 2025 Global Growth Conference (GGC), where he participated in a panel to discuss Morocco's efforts in upgrading the country's infrastructure and development programs in anticipation of major sports events like the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 World Cup. During the event, Lekjaa reviewed the major events Morocco will host between 2025 and 2030, including the WAFCON, which will take place from July 5-26, the FIFA U17 Women World Cup between October and November and the AFCON from December 21 to January 18. 'Morocco will continue to host major sporting events leading up to the 2030 World Cup,' he said, adding that similar major events require the upgrading of road, airport, and football infrastructure. For Lekjaa, who is also the minister delegate for the budget, similar projects represent investment opportunities worth billions of dollars. The opportunities also cover other sectors like tourism and accommodation capacity among others. 'In this investment puzzle, we have a menu of Inclusive projects,' he said, noting that the plans also include different specialties and professions, which will enable all economic operators, including startups and multinational companies to have a share in the added value generated. 'Beyond the importance of funding, this will allow for groupings and surgeries between companies and the business world,' Lekjaa added. The minister also talked about Morocco's World Cup preparation campaign, noting that the North African country considers the global tournament as an African world cup, from which 'we will take the opportunity to show that youth on both sides of the Mediterranean can exchange, coexist, and work together.' Bouchra Hajij, president of the Royal Moroccan Volleyball Federation and the African Volleyball Confederation also commented on the country's efforts to boost the development of the sports sector, noting that this domain is an important lever for economic development. She said that sport is also a 'vector for social cohesion and economic and cultural development.'
Associated Press
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Barcelona sets August target for matchday return to Camp Nou stadium
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona aims to return belatedly to its Camp Nou stadium after two years of reconstruction work for a preseason friendly on Aug. 10. Club president Joan Laporta set the date for the traditional season-opening Joan Gamper Trophy game when he spoke in a television interview late Monday. Barcelona has played in the city's Olympic Stadium for two years — and won La Liga this season — during the massive overhaul to create a 105,000-capacity home that would be the biggest soccer stadium in Europe. The original target was a November 2024 return to a partially finished venue, then Barcelona said in February it hoped to play games in Camp Nou before the end of this season with 60,000 spectators. The February update also detailed plans to complete the project by adding a roof at the end of the 2025-26 season. The Camp Nou is a potential candidate to stage the 2030 World Cup final which Spain will co-host with Portugal and Morocco. The more likely options are Real Madrid's renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and a 115,000-seat venue planned in Casablanca, Morocco. ___ AP soccer:
Morocco World
17-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
France, Morocco Seek to Strengthen Sports Cooperation
Rabat – Beyond diplomatic ties and trade, France and Morocco have pledged to strengthen sports cooperation. The two countries confirmed this interest on Friday during the 40th Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports of the Francophonie, which marked the participation of French Minister of Sports Marie Barsacq. A statement on the French minister's visit from the French embassy said that the official met with Morocco's Minister of Culture Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid to discuss important areas to boost cooperation and bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly in regards to working with youth. During the visit, the French minister also met with Morocco's Minister of Education and Sports Saad Berrada, with whom she signed a joint declaration of intent regarding cooperation in the field of sports. The agreement covers international sporting events, high-level and elite sports performance, e-sports, as well as training. 'I welcome the signing of this cooperation in the field of sports, which formalizes the growing cooperation between France and Morocco on the topic,' she said, asserting the need to continue 'this privileged partnership' between the two countries that focuses on empowering youth through sports. France has long emphasized its commitment to continue to support Morocco in several projects in this area. France, Morocco Seek to Strengthen Sports Cooperation In April, the two countries discussed the 2030 World Cup preparatory campaign launched by Morocco, a co-host of the global tournament along with Spain and Portugal. France's Minister delegate in charge of Foreign Trade and French citizens abroad, Laurent Saint-Martin, during his visit to Morocco in April, announced the launch of the Franco-Moroccan Committee to support Morocco as hosts of the 2030 World Cup. Representatives from at least 10 French companies attended to promote French expertise in infrastructure for large international events. Beyond France, several other countries have also expressed interest in unlocking the opportunities Morocco holds as a co-host of the tournament, including the UK. Earlier this week, UK Minister of State for Investment Baroness Gustafsson announced that the Department for Business and Trade is 'committed to helping UK businesses export to Morocco.' This effort comes in line with the UK-Morocco Association Agreement the two countries signed in 2019 post-Brexit. 'Bilateral trade was worth £4.2 billion in 2024, up £0.6 billion in current prices from 2023,' the minister stated, stressing the importance of Morocco as a co-host of the World Cup. She concluded that this is an example of further avenues for growth for UK-Morocco business partnerships at the 2030 FIFA World Cup 'where opportunities are emerging for British businesses.' Tags: Morocco and Francesports
Morocco World
06-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Dilemma: World Cup or Social Priorities?
Some Moroccans argue that hosting the World Cup should not be a priority, suggesting that the funds allocated to this event would be better spent on education and healthcare. This perspective is both logical and valid, as sports are a luxury that can only be fully enjoyed once essential needs are met. It reflects a deep concern for the national interest. However, when we take a broader view, hosting the World Cup can be seen as a strategic move, especially when we consider the challenges and opportunities this global event presents. Organizing the World Cup offers Morocco a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of its infrastructure—a crucial factor in attracting foreign investment. Investors are drawn to stable environments with high-quality infrastructure: modern ports, efficient airports, and seamless road networks. Just like Dubai, Shanghai, or Mauritius, regions that invest in world-class infrastructure attract capital, not only because of favorable laws but also because their infrastructure facilitates business and trade. These investments stimulate the local economy, create jobs, reduce poverty, and increase public revenue, which in turn helps improve essential services like healthcare and education. On the other hand, investing heavily in social sectors without creating new sources of income could jeopardize the country's financial stability. A decline in both public and private investment could lead to an economic slowdown, resulting in higher unemployment and worsening poverty. The danger is real: without sufficient resources, the state would struggle to maintain a high standard of education and healthcare, leading to setbacks across all areas. Schools are undoubtedly the birthplace of creativity, but these talents need a favorable environment to thrive. Ideas alone are not enough without the necessary infrastructure, financing, and opportunities. Read also: 2030 World Cup: Is Morocco's Economy Ready for a $5 Billion Event? The example of Facebook is a clear illustration of this: without the dynamic environment of the United States, its success would not have been guaranteed. Many innovators, including Moroccan scientists like Moncef Slaoui , migrate to countries offering the best conditions for realizing their projects. To attract and retain talent, Morocco needs to create an economically stimulating environment while also investing in education, particularly vocational training, which remains an underutilized resource. The World Cup also serves as a powerful platform for showcasing Morocco's culture and history. Already recognized for its soft power in Africa—alongside Egypt and South Africa—Morocco has the chance to further enhance its cultural and geopolitical influence. Partnering with European powers, Spain and Portugal, to host the 2030 World Cup is in itself a major geopolitical achievement. The increased international visibility opens up new opportunities for investment, cooperation, and tourism development. The benefits of hosting the World Cup extend far beyond the influx of visitors during the tournament. By highlighting its cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, refined craftsmanship, cuisine, and the legendary hospitality of its people, Morocco can turn this event into a long-lasting engine for tourism. Moreover, the development of airport infrastructure will make it easier for tourists to access various regions of the kingdom, providing a significant economic boost well beyond 2030. Ideally, we would all like to see significant progress in education and healthcare alongside the World Cup. But economic realities force us to make difficult and sometimes painful decisions to aim for better mid- and long-term results. Hosting the 2030 World Cup is a strategic opportunity to fast-track infrastructure development, stimulate investment, and raise Morocco's international profile. Economic and social growth are two sides of the same coin. It's crucial to adopt a comprehensive vision and understand that the World Cup is not an end in itself, but a lever for building a brighter future for Morocco. Tags: FIFA World CupFootballMorocco World CupWorld Cupworld cup 2030
