Morocco's Football Renaissance: From Underdog to Emerging Superpower on the Global Stage

In recent years, Morocco has undergone a remarkable transformation in its football landscape, positioning itself as an emerging superpower in the sport. The ochre-colored Stade El Harti in Marrakech serves as a microcosm of this evolution. Once a modest venue with a 10,000 capacity for Kawkab Athletique Club de Marrakech, the stadium was largely unused following its original purpose for the 2010 World Cup, which was eventually hosted by South Africa. However, in 2018, after significant investment from the Moroccan government, El Harti was revitalized, equipped with modern amenities and infrastructure, making it an attractive training destination for international teams and clubs. This shift towards investing in football infrastructure is part of a larger strategy by the Moroccan state to leverage the sport as a tool for diplomacy and influence, both on the African continent and beyond. The upcoming years are pivotal for Morocco, as it prepares to host the African Cup of Nations for the second time in its history and the men's World Cup in 2030, co-hosted with Spain and Portugal. This marks only the second time an African nation will host matches in the World Cup, following South Africa in 2010. A testament to Morocco's growing stature in the football world is the construction of the Grand Stade Hassan II near Casablanca. Planned to be the largest football stadium in the world, with a capacity of 115,000, the venue symbolizes Morocco's aspirations in the sport. There are high hopes that this stadium may even host the final of the 2030 World Cup. In addition, Morocco is set to host the next five editions of the Under-17 Women's World Cup, further solidifying its commitment to football development. The journey to this point has not been without challenges. Morocco's football narrative shifted dramatically after failing to qualify for two decades until 2018 and then reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2022. This achievement was not merely coincidental; it was the result of a concerted effort to invest in football infrastructure, with approximately €80 million allocated to developing sports facilities in recent years. The establishment of the King Mohammed VI Football Academy is a prime example, offering state-of-the-art training facilities aimed at nurturing home-grown talent. Key figures behind this transformation include Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Association since 2014, who has played a vital role in Morocco's footballing renaissance. Elected to FIFA's council in 2021, Lekjaa’s dual role as the "minister delegate of the budget" gives him significant influence over the country’s financial directives. His leadership has facilitated Morocco's re-engagement with the African football community, enabling the country to regain its standing in the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Morocco has recognized the power of football as a vehicle for social and economic growth. The country's recent successes on the pitch have opened doors for increased tourism and investment, with projections of attracting 26 million visitors by 2030. As Morocco aims to overtake Egypt as the most visited destination in North Africa, football is viewed as a catalyst for this ambition. However, the road to success has not been without its bumps. Morocco's past decisions, including withdrawing from hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 over health concerns, had strained relations with neighboring countries. Nevertheless, the Moroccan government learned from past mistakes and has since redirected its focus on fostering stronger ties within the African football community. The recent CAF awards ceremony highlighted Morocco’s ascent and its commitment to celebrating football at both political and grassroots levels. While the awards celebrated individual achievements, they also emphasized the importance of government support in developing the sport. The presence of political figures during the event demonstrated the intertwining of football and national pride. Morocco's geographical location, along with its abundant natural resources, provides a solid foundation for its ambitions. With 70% of the world's known phosphate reserves under its management, Morocco's economic stability can further fuel its footballing aspirations. An agreement between the Moroccan football federation and the OCP Group aims to professionalize training centers and promote young talent, ensuring the future of Moroccan football remains bright. As Morocco gears up for the 2030 World Cup, the country's footballing landscape reflects a blend of ambition, investment, and a renewed sense of identity. With towering new stadiums and a commitment to nurturing talent, Morocco is not only reshaping its own narrative in football but is also emerging as a pivotal force in African and global football, demonstrating that the beautiful game can indeed be a powerful driver of economic and diplomatic progress.