Key points
- Inauguration attended by FIFA and African Football Confederation presidents
- Morocco second African nation to host World Cup after South Africa
- FIFA has other African offices in Senegal, Congo, Rwanda, South Africa
ISLAMABAD: FIFA inaugurated Saturday a regional office in Morocco — the first in North Africa and fifth on the continent — as the kingdom ramps up preparations for the 2030 World Cup, which it will host jointly with Spain and Portugal.
Gianni Infantino celebrates “a special day” as FIFA Africa Office officially opens
– FIFA President says “from here, we will have a global impact on football” at official opening of the FIFA Africa Office in Rabat, Morocco
– Hub established to develop ever closer ties with… pic.twitter.com/ubfVPSPtej— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) July 26, 2025
“This is a day that will be written in golden letters in the magnificent history of FIFA, African football, Moroccan football, and world football,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the inauguration ceremony, according to AFP.
The inauguration, also attended by the head of the African Football Confederation, Patrice Motsepe, took place hours before the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, the capital, where Morocco face Nigeria.
Five unsuccessful bids
Morocco will be the second African nation to host the World Cup in 2030, following South Africa’s edition in 2010. This follows five unsuccessful bids by the kingdom.
The first-ever FIFA African headquarters was just inaugurated today in Rabat, Morocco 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/jYxctk0e9M
— Africa First (@AfricaFirsts) July 26, 2025
FIFA’s other African offices are located in Senegal, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and South Africa.
The expansion of FIFA’s footprint in Morocco is the logical next step, with football in the country enjoying significant and successful growth in recent years, according to Qatar Tribune.
