Faith Nyasuguta
Morocco is making big moves to prepare for its historic role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The government has announced a huge investment plan worth 38 billion dirhams ($4.2 billion) to modernise and expand the country’s main airports over the next five years – a bold push to handle millions more visitors.
Under this plan, Morocco aims to more than double its airport capacity, growing from 38 million passengers a year now to an impressive 80 million by 2030. This boost is crucial as the country gears up to welcome football fans from every corner of the globe when it co-hosts the World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
A major part of this massive upgrade will focus on Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, Morocco’s busiest airport. A brand-new terminal is set to be built there, which alone will add room for 20 million extra passengers. Morocco has already invited bids for this project, showing just how serious it is about delivering top-class infrastructure in time for kickoff.
This push comes at a time when Moroccan tourism is booming. In 2024, the country welcomed a record 17.4 million tourists – that’s 20% higher than the previous year. By 2030, Morocco wants to see that number hit 26 million. With more tourists expected to pour in for the World Cup, modern airports will play a huge role in giving visitors a smooth and positive first impression.
See Mambo’s vlog on top 10 Most visted African countries, Morocco is among the very top.
But hosting one of the world’s biggest sporting events isn’t just about bigger airports – it’s also about tackling the massive logistical challenges that come with it. More flights mean more hotel rooms, better transport links, tighter security, and more complex planning. However, the benefits for Morocco’s image, economy and football scene are huge: more ticket sales, sponsorship deals, TV rights, and a bigger global spotlight.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be unlike any before. To celebrate the tournament’s 100-year anniversary, FIFA plans to take it across three continents – Europe, Africa, and South America. While Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will host most matches, the opening games will include a special tribute: Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will each host one match. This gesture honours Uruguay as the birthplace of the first World Cup in 1930.
Adding to the excitement, FIFA is planning to expand the tournament’s format once again. After increasing the number of teams from 32 to 48 for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, FIFA wants the 2030 edition to feature a record 64 teams. If this goes ahead, it will mean even more matches, more fans travelling, and more demand on the host countries to deliver world-class facilities and unforgettable experiences.
Morocco’s $4.2 billion airport makeover is much more than just a construction plan – it’s a statement that the country is ready to shine on the world stage and give millions of visitors a warm welcome when football’s biggest show comes to town.
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