Morocco was announced as the host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain. The first three matches will be hosted by South American countries: Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina.

The decision was announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the FIFA Congress meeting, held on Wednesday. Fouzi Lekjaa, the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, thanked the world for having faith in his country. “I would like to thank you for having placed your trust in my country, Morocco, and its two partners, Portugal and Spain, to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup together.”

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe described Morocco hosting the World Cup as a proud moment for African football. “The Morocco, Portugal, and Spain Partnership brings together and unites Africa and Europe through football and inspires all of us to work together and make the world a better place. 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.

Dr Motsepe again congratulated Morocco and it’s partners “CAF is excited and congratulates Morocco and its partners, Portugal and Spain.”

Dr Motsepe also went further to thank His Highness the King of Morocco, King Mohammed VI. “We thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, the Government, and the people of Morocco for initiating and supporting Morocco’s FIFA World Cup 2030 bid.”

Lastly he praised Fouzi Lekjaa President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and thank the 211 members of FIFA . “I am proud of the role and the outstanding leadership provided by our brother Fouzi Lekjaa, the President of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football. I would also like to thank the 54 CAF Member Associations for uniting and supporting Morocco’s bid. Our gratitude also 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.”

The last time Africa hosted the World Cup was in 2010. Morocco will be the 2nd African Country in history to host the world cup. The Moroccans are accustomed to hosting big tournaments, including the FIFA Club World Cup in 2013, 2014, and 2022, CHAN 2018, and AFCON 1988.

They will host the next edition of the African Cup of Nations and the Women’s African Cup of Nations. They hosted the last edition of the WAFCON and will host next year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup.

As football’s biggest tournament, the World Cup presents an opportunity for Morocco to showcase its advancements in technology and infrastructure, sealing its status as a country for hosting global football tournaments.