Organization of the 2030 World Cup: a report assesses the impact for Morocco

The first asset: tourism. OTRAGO expects more than 1.5 million additional visitors, generating between $2 and $3 billion in revenue. Accommodation, catering, transportation and leisure activities should thus experience strong activity. Hotels could be fully booked, forcing the modernization of infrastructure and the improvement of services.

Another key point: massive investment in infrastructure. Stadiums, a high-speed rail network (extension of the Casablanca-Agadir line), modern hospitals and road networks will require colossal financing, estimated between $3 and $5 billion for sports infrastructure, $5 billion for the TGV and $2 billion for the health sector. The report recommends public-private partnerships and the use of international financing.

The direct financial returns are also expected. Television broadcasting rights (over $2 billion) and sponsorship (around $1 billion) should swell the revenues. The organization of the World Cup could also boost GDP by 0.5% to 1% per year, or an increase of $3 to $4 billion.

Beyond the financial aspect, OTRAGO insists on the lasting benefits. The modernization of airports, the development of the road network and the expansion of public transport will improve the quality of life of Moroccans. The stadiums, once the competition is over, will be able to host other international events, generating additional revenue.

Finally, the event should create between 50,000 and 80,000 jobs and provide training opportunities for young Moroccans in organization, hospitality and marketing.

However, OTRAGO warns against blind optimism. For the 2030 World Cup to be a success, Morocco will have to meet major challenges: debt management, modernization of services, digitalization and competition with Spain and Portugal.