Morocco has announced a major infrastructure investment of 38 billion dirhams ($4.2 billion) over the next five years to upgrade its main airports in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
- Morocco announced a $4.2 billion investment plan to upgrade its main airports to prepare for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
- The initiative aims to increase airport capacity from 38 million to 80 million passengers annually by 2030.
- The 2030 World Cup will span three continents and involve symbolic matches in South American countries to honor the inaugural event.
The Moroccan government officially announced on Thursday that a significant agreement had been reached with the National Airports Authority (ONDA).
This pivotal deal is set to facilitate the execution of a highly anticipated and ambitious refurbishment project aimed at modernizing and upgrading the nation’s airport infrastructure.
The objective is to increase the country’s airport capacity from 38 million to 80 million people per year by 2030, a critical step as Morocco prepares for an increase in foreign visitors.
The centerpiece of this development will be a new terminal at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, the country’s largest, which is estimated to increase capacity by 20 million passengers. Morocco has previously called for bids on this project.
Tourism is also growing. The country received a record 17.4 million visitors in 2024, a 20% increase over the previous year, and aims to reach 26 million tourists by 2030, as per Reuters.
While the expansion may result in additional cash from television rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales, it also poses considerable logistical issues, such as more matches and lodging requirements.
Plans for the FIFA World Cup 2030
The FIFA World Cup, a tournament steeped in tradition and global anticipation, is set to embark on a new chapter in 2030, marking its centenary with an unprecedented geographical spread.
This landmark iteration will be the most diversified in history, spanning three continents and bringing together nations from across the globe.
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While the core of the tournament’s matches will be predominantly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, a significant and symbolic gesture will see Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay each host one match.
This arrangement pays homage to the inaugural World Cup in 1930, which was held in Uruguay.
This multi-continental approach reflects FIFA’s vision for a more inclusive and globally representative World Cup.
The logistical complexities of such a widespread event will be considerable, but the opportunity to connect different regions of the world through the unifying power of football is a key driver behind this innovative hosting model.
The football governing body also plans to host a 64-team format tournament in 2030, as opposed to one that hosts 48 teams.
FIFA had only recently increased the tournament from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 edition in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
