Editor Note: This article is translated from the original written in French by Pan-Africa Football's Omar Chraibi
In 1986, Morocco made the history of African football by becoming the first country on the continent to reach the round of 16 of the World Cup in Mexico. This exceptional feat inspired an even greater ambition: that of organizing the World Cup on Moroccan soil. This ambitious dream was born under the leadership of King Hassan II, a visionary who firmly believed in the role of sport as a lever for development and a tool for international diplomacy.
In 1988, two years after the Mexican feat, Morocco entered the race to host the 1994 edition of the World Cup. Under the leadership of the late King Hassan II, the Kingdom is mobilizing all its potential, hoping to convince the world that Africa is ready to host the largest sporting event on the planet. This first challenge, although successful on the organizational level, was ultimately won by the United States thanks to complex geopolitical dynamics. But far from giving up, Hassan II continued to carry this dream with perseverance, convinced that Morocco will one day become a welcoming land for world football.
Hassan II's vision was not only to win a candidacy, but also to strengthen Morocco's role as a key player on the international stage while inspiring an entire generation of Moroccans to dream big. This vision was part of a larger project: that of placing the Kingdom among African and world leaders in various fields including sport.
Mohammed VI: The chief sportsman and architect of success
The dream started by Hassan II found an even stronger echo during the reign of Mohammed VI who not only continued this legacy but transformed it into reality. Upon his accession to the throne, Mohammed VI established himself as a fervent defender of sport, investing in world-class infrastructure and strengthening Morocco's ambitions on an international scale.
Under his leadership, Morocco presented several bids to host the World Cup, each time demonstrating growing commitment and a clear vision. Although attempts to organize the 2006 and 2010 editions were unsuccessful, they laid the foundations for a more solid and credible candidacy.
Mohammed VI was able to evolve Moroccan strategy by relying on international partnerships, effective sports diplomacy and a modern infrastructure that rivals the best in the world.
The peak of this trajectory is reached with the designation of Morocco as co-organizer of the 2030 World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal. This feat is the result of years of hard work, a coherent vision and an exemplary diplomatic strategy. The role of Mohammed VI in this success is undeniable: he was able to mobilize not only national resources but also international support to make Morocco an essential destination for major sporting events.
1986: The birth of the dream with Hassan II
In 1986, Morocco made African football history by becoming the first nation on the continent to reach the Round of 16 of the World Cup in Mexico. This historic journey inspires a new ambition: to one day organize this world competition in Morocco.
Driven by this vision, King Hassan II initiated in 1988 the first Moroccan bid to host the 1994 edition of the World Cup. Morocco relies on its strategic positioning as a bridge between Africa and Europe, but also on the support of “Third World” countries. Despite a solid case, the United States obtained the organization of the tournament, in particular thanks to the geopolitical support and the economic promises which attracted the voting members.
1992: A new hope
Four years after the failure of 1994, Morocco renewed its ambition with a candidacy for the 1998 World Cup. This time, the competition was limited to two contenders: Morocco and France. The Kingdom is banking on a strong case, but French lobbying, led by figures like Michel Platini, wins. FIFA awards the competition to France, with a vote of 12 votes to 7 for Morocco.
This episode reveals the complex workings of international football, where votes are often influenced by geopolitical and economic issues. Despite this defeat, Morocco persists in its dream, convinced that it embodies the modern and welcoming face of Africa.
2000: An early defeat
For the 2006 edition, Morocco faces new African competition: that of South Africa. If the Kingdom highlights its experience and its infrastructure, it is eliminated in the first round of voting, receiving only two votes. Germany ended up winning the organization of the tournament to the detriment of South Africa, which nevertheless obtained the promise of hosting the 2010 World Cup.
2004: A new attempt for 2010
The awarding of the 2010 World Cup, the first on African soil, represents a unique opportunity for Morocco. The Kingdom presents an ambitious application and benefits from the experience accumulated during previous applications. However, South Africa, carried by the aura of Nelson Mandela, won the vote with a difference of only four votes.
This failure reinforces the conviction that the Moroccan dream will only be realized through a more global strategy, integrating not only cutting-edge infrastructure, but also an even more active sports diplomacy.
2018: The fifth attempt
In 2018, Morocco presented its candidacy for the 2026 World Cup. For the first time, voting was open to all FIFA members. The Kingdom faces a common issue between the United States, Canada and Mexico. Despite a convincing presentation, Morocco lost with 33% of the votes, compared to 67% for the North American trio.
This defeat marks a turning point, because it is accompanied by a transformation in the governance of world football. The corruption scandals which broke out within FIFA revealed opaque practices which had marked previous candidacies.
2030: The dream comes true
After five unsuccessful attempts, Morocco finally achieves its goal in 2023: FIFA announces that the Kingdom will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. This success is the culmination of decades of perseverance, investment in world-class infrastructure, and skillful diplomatic strategy.
This victory also embodies the continuity of a royal vision, initiated by Hassan II and brought to fruition by Mohammed VI. King Mohammed VI, as a true “chief sportsman”, was able to make sport a lever of international influence for Morocco while strengthening its role as an African and Mediterranean leader.
A legacy that transcends sport
Obtaining the organization of the 2030 World Cup is not only a sporting victory, it is a symbolic victory for an entire continent. It represents the culmination of a royal vision that has spanned generations, from Hassan II to Mohammed VI. It is also a tribute to the resilience and ambition of a country that has always dreamed big.
The Morocco of 2030 will be ready to show the world its legendary hospitality, its organizational know-how and its passion for football. This tournament will be much more than a sporting competition: it will embody the fruit of a bold vision and long-term work, while reminding us that dreams, when carried by an unwavering will, can become reality.
Thus, from Hassan II to Mohammed VI, football served as a mirror for Morocco's great aspirations, uniting generations around a common project and strengthening the Kingdom's place on the world stage. The 2030 World Cup will not only be a celebration of sport, but also a tribute to the journey of a visionary and ambitious country.
By hosting the 2030 World Cup, Morocco proves to the whole world that it is capable of meeting the greatest challenges. This tournament will be more than a celebration of football: it will be the symbol of a modern, ambitious and resilient Africa guided by visionary leaders.
Comments