FIFA President Gianni Infantino has heaped praise on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) for its significant strides in football infrastructure and development.
Infantino touched down in Morocco over the weekend and was welcomed by FRMF boss Fouzi Lekjaa.
His visit comes as Morocco continues to assert itself as a rising power in world football, with a packed calendar of major tournaments on the horizon.
“It’s always a pleasure to be in Morocco, a country that lives and breathes football,” Infantino said upon his arrival in Rabat. “I’m very content and happy to be here.”
The FIFA president lauded Morocco’s growing influence on the global football stage, calling it “one of the world centres of football,” citing the strong performances and wealth of talent within both the men’s and women’s national teams.
He also highlighted Morocco’s impressive hosting capabilities, describing them as “spectacular,” and commended the FRMF for its recent accomplishments, particularly during the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which he said has been a success both in terms of competition and fan turnout.
Looking ahead, Morocco is set to host a series of major international events, including five consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and the historic co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
In a video message during the U-17 Women’s World Cup draw ceremony in June, Infantino described Morocco as “a fabulous country and a land of football,” noting that it will be the first African nation to host the tournament.
He underscored the competition’s role in unearthing new female football talent and offering young players a global platform.
Infantino’s current visit is also expected to include the formal opening of FIFA’s new regional office in Rabat — the first of its kind in North Africa and the fifth in Africa.
The protocol for its establishment was signed in December 2024 during a ceremony in Marrakech.
With existing FIFA offices already operating in Dakar, Brazzaville, Kigali, and Johannesburg, Morocco now joins a select list of African nations hosting FIFA infrastructure — aligning with other global hubs like Paris, Zurich, Dubai, and New Delhi.
FIFA’s Director of Tournament Sub-Division, Jaime Yarza, has also endorsed Morocco’s ability to host elite competitions, pointing to the country’s passionate football culture and high-quality infrastructure.
“We are confident Morocco will deliver an exceptional tournament,” Yarza said, describing the facilities as “modern and professional,” and affirming that “Morocco now has nothing to envy from major European countries.”
