Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), has lauded Morocco for earning the right to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
The announcement was made during the FIFA Extraordinary Congress on Wednesday, marking a historic moment for African football.
The 2030 World Cup will feature 48 teams and kick off with centenary matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay before transitioning to the primary host nations.
Morocco’s successful bid makes it only the second African country in history to host the prestigious tournament.
Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Motsepe expressed pride in the collaboration between Africa and Europe.
The Morocco, Portugal, and Spain partnership brings together and unites Africa and Europe through football and inspires all of us to work together and make the world a better place,” he said.
Motsepe highlighted the significance of the milestone for the continent, saying, “Today is a proud day for African football as Morocco becomes only the second African country in FIFA’s history to host the FIFA World Cup.
CAF is excited and congratulates Morocco and its partners Portugal and Spain.
He also extended his gratitude to Morocco’s leadership and people, adding, “We thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, the government, and the people of Morocco for initiating and supporting Morocco’s FIFA World Cup 2030 bid.
I am proud of the role and the outstanding leadership provided by our Brother Fouzi Lekjaa, the President of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.
Dr. Motsepe also acknowledged the collective support from African nations, stating, “I would also like to thank the 54 CAF Member Associations for uniting and supporting Morocco’s bid.
Our gratitude also goes to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his visionary leadership and to the 211 members of FIFA for awarding the co-hosting rights of the FIFA World Cup 2030 to Morocco and to Africa.
Additionally, he congratulated Saudi Arabia on being awarded the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
CAF would also like to congratulate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Majesty the King, the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and the people of Saudi Arabia for having been awarded the FIFA World Cup 2034,” he said.
Dr. Motsepe concluded by emphasizing the value of the longstanding partnership between CAF and Saudi Arabian football.
CAF has worked together and partnered, over many years, with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and is appreciative and thankful for this important partnership,” he noted.
The announcement underscores the global appeal of football and the unifying power of hosting the world’s most celebrated sporting event.
