Morocco's 2030 World Cup: A strategic soft power move

Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup marks a significant milestone in the nation's diplomatic and economic ambitions. This achievement, realized alongside Spain and Portugal, follows a series of unsuccessful bids over three decades, solidifying Morocco’s position on the global stage.

The Spanish Elcano Royal Institute for International and Strategic Studies recently published an analysis titled “World Cup 2030: The Deployment of Moroccan Soft Power on the Field,” authored by Antonio Navarro Amuedo. The report explores how Morocco views the tournament as a strategic opportunity, aimed not only at enhancing its international image but also at fostering economic development and reinforcing the monarchy’s political stature.

As Morocco prepares to host this prestigious event, the broader implications of the World Cup within the country’s foreign policy strategy come to light. The tournament is seen as a platform for diversifying international alliances and reaffirming Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region.

Morocco has increasingly positioned itself as a significant player in African development, with direct investments on the continent reaching $38 billion by 2024. This financial commitment reflects Morocco’s expanding influence and its efforts to maintain strong ties with traditional Western partners while forging new relationships with nations like Russia and China.

The analysis highlights Morocco’s long-standing efforts to secure World Cup hosting rights, having pursued bids for tournaments in 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2026. The 2030 World Cup, coinciding with the centennial celebration of the tournament, is poised to be a source of national pride and a testament to Morocco’s perseverance.

Public enthusiasm for the event is palpable, contrasting sharply with the more subdued reception in Spain and Portugal. This World Cup will be historic, as it is the first to span two continents, sending a powerful message of cooperation amid evolving geopolitical landscapes.

Morocco’s recent successes in international football, particularly its remarkable performance in the Qatar 2022 World Cup, have elevated national pride and set high expectations for organizational excellence in the upcoming tournament. Authorities aim to showcase Morocco as a modern, tolerant, and emerging nation to a global audience.

The government has allocated $5.1 billion for World Cup preparations, with $1.2 billion specifically designated for infrastructure improvements. Six cities—Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir—are set to host matches, with the Hassan II Grand Stadium in Casablanca anticipated to be the centerpiece, boasting a capacity of 115,000 spectators.

In addition to stadium construction, the government plans extensive upgrades to airports, targeting a combined capacity of 35 million passengers by 2029. However, the report also notes potential challenges, including regional disparities exacerbated by concentrated urban development and the risks of corruption in large-scale construction projects.

The collaborative nature of the World Cup bid has further strengthened Morocco’s relations with Spain, particularly after Spain endorsed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, marking a turning point in bilateral relations. This endorsement has facilitated greater cooperation on critical issues such as migration and counter-terrorism.

Navarro Amuedo likens this moment to Spain’s transformative experience during the 1992 Olympics, suggesting that the World Cup could represent Morocco’s coming-of-age on the international stage. The tournament is poised to not only showcase Morocco as an emerging power but also to advance its diplomatic objectives, particularly regarding Western Sahara.

Ultimately, Morocco seeks to leverage the global appeal of the World Cup to reinforce its status as a stable and capable regional power linking Europe and Africa.