KEY POINTS
- FIFA inaugurates its fifth African regional office in Rabat
- Morocco prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030 with Spain and Portugal
- FIFA President Infantino hails the occasion as a golden moment in the history of global and African football
RABAT, Morocco: FIFA officially opened its first-ever regional office in North Africa — choosing Morocco, the rising heartbeat of African football, as its home.
The Rabat-based office, FIFA’s fifth on the continent, arrives as more than a symbol — it is a strategic cornerstone as Morocco, alongside Spain and Portugal, prepares to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
For a nation whose footballing dreams have weathered the tides of five failed bids, this moment marks a triumphant return to centre stage.
“A day written in golden letters,” proclaimed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, his voice echoing through the hall at the inauguration ceremony. “In the magnificent history of FIFA, African football, Moroccan football, and world football — this day stands out.”
The ceremony unfolded in Rabat just hours before the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria edged past Morocco 3-2 in a pulsating contest.
But even in defeat, the hosts stood tall — for Morocco’s footballing rise is no longer a dream deferred, but a reality in motion.
FIFA’s choice of Morocco for its latest regional hub is no accident. The kingdom has rapidly transformed itself into a continental football powerhouse — investing in infrastructure, cultivating talent, and taking bold steps on the international stage.
The opening of this office cements Morocco’s growing influence and its central role in shaping the future of the sport across the region.
Joining Infantino at the event was CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who hailed Morocco’s vision and commitment to football development, not just for itself, but for all of Africa.
The new office joins FIFA’s existing African outposts in Senegal, South Africa, Rwanda, and the Republic of Congo — yet this one carries a special weight.
It is not just about administration, but aspiration. It is about rewriting the story of African football from the Mediterranean shores to the global arena.
With the 2030 World Cup on the horizon — the first to be held across two continents — Morocco now steps into its long-awaited role not only as a host but as a driving force in the sport’s evolution.
