The decision to award the 2030 FIFA World Cup to Spain, Morocco, and Portugal has been met with widespread acclaim across Africa, marking a historic moment as the prestigious tournament returns to the continent for only the second time in history.
Fourteen years after South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup, Morocco will welcome football fans alongside its European partners, symbolizing a unique collaboration between Africa and Europe.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), represented by its president Patrice Motsepe, described the event as “historic.”
“We express our profound gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government, and the people of Morocco for championing and supporting this bid,” Motsepe said.
He further emphasized, “The alliance between Morocco, Portugal, and Spain symbolizes a bridge between Africa and Europe through football, inspiring the global football community to work together for a better world.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino echoed the sentiment, highlighting the unifying power of football.
“In today’s divided world, agreeing on something like this sends an extraordinary message.
We are living unity, inclusivity, and the spirit of football,” he stated.
The president of Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, also expressed his pride in Morocco’s role.
“This trust in our country’s capabilities reflects not only our readiness for the event but also Morocco’s broader development, driven by the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,” he said.
Moroccan international footballer Achraf Hakimi shared his excitement on social media, declaring, “The World Cup 2030 is coming to Morocco! What pride to host this incredible competition for the first time in our history. Dima Maghrib!”
Across Africa, the announcement was celebrated as a continental achievement.
Senegalese football legend El Hadji Diouf hailed the decision, saying, “This World Cup is an honor not just for Morocco but for all of Africa—a gift to the continent’s youth and its football fans.”
Similarly, Ivorian football star Salomon Kalou remarked, “Hosting the 2030 World Cup in Africa, the cradle of humanity, alongside Europe, will be a moment etched in the history of sports.”
This landmark decision reflects football’s power to transcend borders and inspire unity, promising a World Cup that will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of its hosts while bridging continents.
