FIFA Opens First North African Office in Morocco for 2030 World Cup

FIFA officially inaugurated its first regional office in North Africa on Saturday, establishing a strategic base in Morocco as the country intensifies its preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

The new office, located in Rabat, marks FIFA’s fifth regional hub in Africa, joining existing offices in Senegal, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and South Africa.

Significance of the Inauguration

The inauguration ceremony was attended by:

• Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA
• Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF)
• Dignitaries and officials from the global and African football communities

“This is a day that will be written in golden letters in the magnificent history of FIFA, African football, Moroccan football, and world football,”
stated Gianni Infantino during the event.

The opening of the office coincided with the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, held later that evening in Rabat, where Morocco faced Nigeria.

FIFA Regional Offices in Africa

Morocco’s World Cup Journey

After years of persistent efforts and five failed bids, Morocco will become only the second African country to host a FIFA World Cup, following South Africa’s landmark tournament in 2010.

The new FIFA office is set to play a pivotal role in supporting logistics, planning, and football development in the region as Morocco, Spain, and Portugal prepare to deliver a historic, cross-continental edition of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.