Why Morocco seduces the world of football

International successes and historic performances, modern sports infrastructures, a network of influence in Africa... Morocco’s sports policy commands admiration. In 2022, Morocco became the first African and Arab country to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup. This year, the Moroccan Olympic team won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics by defeating Egypt 6-0, thus becoming the third African nation to reach the Olympic podium in football. In 2023, the Atlas Lionesses participated for the first time in the Women’s World Cup. "Morocco’s meteoric rise on the international football scene" is confirmed, said the New York Times, in a long article. The newspaper notes that the kingdom no longer hides its ambitions, especially its desire to become a "world reference in the round ball." To achieve this, it activates certain levers.

Morocco is investing in the construction of modern sports infrastructures. The government has put in place an "ambitious plan". Results: new academies are emerging, the stadiums now meet international standards and the national teams are recording historic successes," says the American daily. With a view to Morocco co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, Morocco is building the Grand Stade Hassan II, with a planned capacity of 115,000 seats in Benslimane near Casablanca.

In parallel, Morocco is developing a network of influence in Africa by forging alliances with other nations on the continent, investing in joint projects and supporting development initiatives. "The decision to install FIFA’s first permanent headquarters in Africa in Marrakech" is a striking example of Morocco’s international recognition and its driving role in the evolution of African football.

For the New York Times, "Morocco has grasped that football goes far beyond a simple game. It constitutes a strategic lever for economic and diplomatic development."