Morocco outlines major infrastructure plans and tax exemptions ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup

Morocco has outlined an ambitious infrastructure and economic development programme ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with Minister of Economy, Finance and Public Administration Reform Fouzi Lekjaa detailing the country’s financial commitments and expected benefits from hosting the tournament.

Lekjaa presented the framework during discussions on the 2027 Draft Finance Bill before the Committee on Finance and Economic Development, highlighting the scale of investment required to prepare Morocco for the global football showpiece, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

His presentation, titled “2030 World Cup: Economic and Tax Stakes, and Legacy,” covered stadium development, transport infrastructure, employment opportunities, tourism projections and tax incentives for FIFA and its partners.

Morocco has proposed six cities as tournament hosts: Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat and Tangier. More than 30 training camps for participating national teams have also been identified across the country, including facilities in Nador, Al Hoceima, Ouarzazate, El Jadida and Ifrane.

Lekjaa explained that the financial model separates infrastructure investment from the operational responsibilities of organising the competition. Under the proposed arrangement, Morocco will concentrate its spending on stadiums, transport networks and other facilities, while FIFA will take responsibility for operational expenses, staffing, logistics, design and branding.

The Moroccan government expects its investment to generate economic returns through increased tourism, foreign currency inflows, tax revenues and job creation, while leaving behind infrastructure that can serve the country beyond the tournament.

FIFA, meanwhile, will retain revenues from ticket sales, broadcasting rights, hospitality services and marketing activities while covering the operational costs of the competition.

Major infrastructure projects planned

Rail transport is among the key areas earmarked for investment, with plans to extend the high-speed railway along the Kenitra-Marrakesh corridor, covering approximately 430 kilometres.

The programme also includes the development of Regional Express Rail services across the Casablanca-Settat, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Marrakesh-Safi and Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima regions.

Airport infrastructure will also receive significant attention, particularly in Casablanca, where authorities plan to expand capacity through the construction of a new terminal, an additional runway and a new control tower. Improved connections between the airport and the high-speed rail network are also part of the plan.

Airports in Marrakesh, Agadir, Fez and Tangier are also expected to undergo expansion to accommodate the anticipated increase in international visitors.

On the road network, Morocco intends to construct a new motorway connecting Rabat and Casablanca, alongside improvements to access roads leading to stadiums, particularly the Grand Stadium of Casablanca and the Grand Stadium of Marrakesh.

Sports infrastructure will form another major part of the preparations, with existing national stadiums in Rabat, Tangier, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakesh and Fez scheduled for upgrades.

One of the flagship projects is the construction of the Grand Stadium of Hassan II in Benslimane, which is expected to have a capacity of 115,000 spectators and will be built in line with FIFA requirements.

The government also plans wider urban redevelopment across the six proposed host cities, focusing on modernising transport systems, rehabilitating public spaces and improving buildings and other urban facilities.

FIFA and partners to benefit from tax exemptions

Lekjaa also outlined a package of tax and customs exemptions designed to facilitate preparations for the tournament and the activities of FIFA and its affiliated organisations.

The measures will cover a range of taxes, including corporate income tax, the social solidarity contribution on profits and income, withholding taxes, value-added tax (VAT) and registration duties.

The exemptions will apply to FIFA, its delivery entity, joint delivery entities and subsidiaries, the host association, co-hosting associations, CONMEBOL-affiliated associations and other FIFA-linked organisations.

The designated broadcaster, FIFA service providers and other approved contractors will also be covered, regardless of whether they maintain a physical presence in Morocco.

The arrangements further provide temporary personal income tax exemptions for certain competition-related bonuses and compensation paid to individuals working in Morocco, volunteers involved in preparations and non-resident players.

Other incentives include exemptions from stamp duties on advertisements and receipts, the annual special tax on vehicles, insurance contract taxes, as well as solidarity and tourism promotion levies on air travel.

The exemptions are expected to take effect from January 1, 2027, or January 1, 2029, depending on the beneficiary, and will remain in place until the end of 2031 or 2032.

A simplified electronic procedure has also been introduced to help eligible organisations access the incentives and claim applicable tax refunds, while additional provisions will govern tax audits and filing requirements.

Customs exemptions will extend to imported goods and equipment required for the tournament, covering import duties, domestic consumption taxes and several other levies associated with construction materials, industrial products and imported goods.

Over 840,000 jobs projected

Beyond infrastructure, Morocco is banking on the World Cup to deliver a significant boost to its economy and labour market.

According to the simulations presented by Lekjaa, total investment is projected to record cumulative growth of 21.2% between 2023 and 2030, equivalent to an average annual increase of approximately 2.6%.

The investment drive is also expected to contribute an additional 1.65 percentage points to annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

The projections further indicate that preparations and activities linked to the tournament could generate more than 840,000 jobs across different sectors of the economy.

The construction industry is expected to account for the largest share, representing 52% of the projected employment opportunities. Other industrial sectors are expected to contribute 13.8%, while hospitality and restaurants are also identified as major beneficiaries.

The figures underline Morocco’s ambition to use the 2030 World Cup as more than a sporting event, with the government seeking to turn the tournament into a major driver of infrastructure development, employment, tourism and long-term economic growth.