RABAT – FIFA on Saturday inaugurated a new regional office in Morocco, marking its first such office in North Africa and the fifth across the African continent. The move comes as Morocco intensifies its preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
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Describing the event as historic, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “This is a day that will be written in golden letters in the magnificent history of FIFA, African football, Moroccan football, and world football.”
The ceremony was held in Rabat, just hours before the final match of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. In a closely contested game, Nigeria defeated Morocco 3-2 in front of a home crowd.
The inauguration was attended by key football figures, including Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), along with officials from the Moroccan Football Federation and international representatives.
Morocco’s successful bid for the 2030 World Cup marks a major milestone. It will become the second African country to host the prestigious tournament, following South Africa in 2010. This achievement comes after five previous unsuccessful attempts by the kingdom.
The establishment of the new FIFA office in Morocco is seen as both symbolic and strategic. It reflects FIFA’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Africa and supporting regional football development, particularly as Morocco takes on a global role in hosting the 2030 tournament.
With this new office, FIFA aims to facilitate closer coordination with North African football associations, accelerate infrastructure development, and offer technical assistance and training.
FIFA now has five regional offices across Africa. The others are located in Senegal, Rwanda, South Africa, and the Republic of Congo.
Morocco has made significant investments in football in recent years, including the development of world-class stadiums, youth academies, and professional leagues. Hosting the 2030 World Cup is expected to further boost the country’s sports, tourism, and economic sectors.
As Morocco positions itself on the global football stage, the opening of this office marks another important step in what many see as a golden era for African football.
