Since ascending to the throne, King Mohammed VI has given great attention to advancing sports in Morocco as a catalyst for promoting the country on the international stage.
Under King Mohammed VI’s visionary leadership, Moroccan sports have reached new heights, culminating in the remarkable achievement of the Football National Team’s semi-final qualification at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The King’s vision for investing and promoting sports is based on the belief that they are an important pillar for job creation and a key component in spreading the Kingdom’s influence abroad.
Morocco’s sports strategy focuses on training athletes and developing high-quality infrastructure to help bring the Kingdom to global prominence.
A Hub for Prestigious Events
Morocco has rapidly evolved into a prime destination for major sports events. Under royal direction, the country has seen the construction of new sports centers and the upgrading of existing ones to host high-profile continental and international competitions.
Earlier this year, Morocco made history by becoming the first African country to host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, an expanded 24-team tournament that will take place annually from 2025 to 2029.
In addition, Morocco is hosting the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the second consecutive year, having previously been the venue in 2022.
The most noteworthy achievement came in December 2030, when FIFA awarded Morocco the honor of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
The historical joint bid, bridging Africa and Europe, highlights the success of Morocco’s development initiatives.
“Two continents, Africa and Europe, have come together not only to celebrate football but also to ensure unparalleled social and cultural connection. What a beautiful message of peace, tolerance, and inclusion!” Gianni Infantino, President of the International FIFA, said commenting on Morocco’s winning the bid.
Experts believe that the 2030 World Cup will significantly boost Morocco’s growth trajectory, aligning with King Mohammed VI’s vision for the country’s sports future.
Sports as a Universal Right
King Mohammed VI has also championed the right to access sports as a fundamental human right.
At the 2nd National Sports Conference in Skhirat in October 2008, the King’s message laid the groundwork for an ambitious national sports program, enshrining the right to sports in Morocco’s 2011 Constitution.
Articles 26, 31, and 33 now recognize sports as a basic human right.
The King equally inaugurated the revamped National Football Center in Maâmoura in December 2019, renaming it the “Mohammed VI Football Complex.”
The state-of-the-art facility reflects the King’s dedication to enhancing football development and providing more opportunities for aspiring athletes.