Fez, one of six Moroccan cities vying to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, is gearing up for a critical inspection by a FIFA delegation. The visit will assess the city’s progress on infrastructure projects essential to hosting the global tournament, a major milestone for both Fez and Morocco.
The delegation will carry out a detailed evaluation of key venues, with a particular focus on the Grand Stade de Fez.
Alongside this, they will assess training facilities for the teams, as well as hotel accommodations designed to ensure a comfortable stay for players, staff, and officials.
This inspection marks the first since Morocco’s official submission of its joint bid, and it plays a pivotal role in FIFA’s decision-making process.
Every aspect of the city’s preparedness will be under scrutiny.
FIFA inspectors will examine stadiums, transportation networks, accommodation options, security measures, and overall event management.
The objective is to demonstrate that Fez, and Morocco as a whole, has the capacity to organize an event of this scale and significance.
Fez is buzzing with anticipation, and work is progressing rapidly on various infrastructure projects.
The city is undergoing a transformation as roads are being widened and renovated, such as the Sefrou Road and Allal El Fassi Boulevard.
These improvements reflect the city’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure in time for the World Cup.
At the core of the city’s preparations is the Fez Sports Complex, which is being upgraded to meet FIFA’s stringent requirements.
The delegation will also tour other sports venues, including the Hassan II Stadium and the Sports Institute of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University.
The variety and quality of sports facilities in Fez and its surrounding areas are expected to showcase the city’s ability to host a world-class event.
In addition to sporting infrastructure, Fez is focusing on enhancing its transport system. A new public transport initiative, the BusWays project, will link key locations, including the airport, the sports complex, and the city center.
This project is designed to improve mobility within the city while minimizing environmental impact, offering a sustainable solution for managing the influx of visitors.
Hotel capacity is another key factor in Fez’s bid. The city is set to emphasize its diverse range of high-quality accommodations, particularly its 4- and 5-star hotels.
The goal is to increase the number of classified hotel rooms to over 7,600 by 2028, ensuring Fez can meet the demand of the expected surge in visitors if the World Cup is awarded to Morocco.
To support this, Fez is investing in both new hotel developments and the renovation of existing facilities.
The city is also planning to integrate student residences into its accommodation options, further boosting its capacity to welcome international guests.
Fez-Saiss Airport is another vital component of the city’s World Cup preparations.
Currently undergoing a 500 million dirham expansion, the airport aims to increase its capacity from 3 million to 5 million passengers annually by December 2028.
This expansion will include the development of additional aircraft parking spaces and a significant expansion of its land area, allowing the airport to handle up to 19,000 passengers daily.
As Fez prepares for FIFA’s visit, the city’s transformation underscores its determination to prove itself a capable and attractive host for the 2030 World Cup.
