Rabat: The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) marked a momentous occasion on Wednesday in Salé, celebrating the official designation of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain as hosts for the 2030 World Cup. This announcement was made during an extraordinary session of the FIFA Congress, held via videoconference.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the celebration took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex and was attended by various officials, sports figures, former Moroccan and African soccer legends, as well as members of the FRMF. FRMF vice-president Mohamed Joudar emphasized Morocco’s dedicated efforts over recent years to secure the opportunity to host the world soccer event. “Hosting the 2030 World Cup is the fruit of Morocco’s sports policy, under the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, and the investments made to strengthen sports infrastructure and training,” Joudar stated.
Noureddine Naybet, a 2030 World Cup ambassador and former captain of Morocco’s national football team, expre
ssed that the persistent efforts by the Kingdom had finally come to fruition. He remarked, “This day will be historic for the three host countries, as well as for the whole Africa and the whole Europe.”
Former Senegalese football legend El-Hadji Diouf noted that the World Cup is not just an honor for Morocco, but a privilege for the entire African continent. He expressed, “It’s a gift for the continent’s youth and for all African football enthusiasts,” and thanked HM the King for his commitment to the development of Africa and African sports.
Spanish coach of the Moroccan women’s football team, Jorge Vilda, commended the efforts of Morocco and the FRMF in promoting football within the country. He expressed confidence that future results will continue to meet expectations.
Salomon Kalou, a former Ivorian soccer legend, shared that hosting the 2030 World Cup in Morocco is a source of pride for Africa. He highlighted, “A World Cup held in Africa, the cradle of mankind, and the Old Continent will be an event t
hat will go down in history.”