Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 27th July 2025, 4:57 PM
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:
“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
| Country | City (if available) | Status |
| Morocco | Rabat | New (1st in North Africa) |
| Senegal | Dakar (assumed) | Existing |
| Republic of Congo | Brazzaville (assumed) | Existing |
| Rwanda | Kigali (assumed) | Existing |
| South Africa | Johannesburg (assumed) | Existing |
Morocco’s World Cup Journey
| Year | Bid Outcome | Notes |
| 2010 | Lost to South Africa | South Africa became 1st African host |
| Various Years | 5 Unsuccessful Bids | Prior to 2030 selection |
| 2030 | Co-hosting with Spain & Portugal | 2nd African nation to host World Cup |
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.
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