Arriving at Rabat-Salé Airport on the eve of the tournament, Infantino expressed his delight at returning to Morocco and highlighted the country’s passion for football and its role in bringing cultures and peoples closer together.
“I’m happy to be back in my country, here in Morocco, a country of football, a country of passion, a country where we truly live this beautiful game,” the FIFA president said upon arrival.
Infantino is in the Kingdom to attend the opening match and opening ceremony of the competition, which will feature some of the world’s top women’s youth national teams. He emphasized the tournament’s power to unite people.
“I’m here for this magnificent competition, the U-17 Women’s World Cup, the opening match, the opening ceremony, a celebration of football where we unite the world,” he said.
Infantino also praised Morocco and the efforts made under King Mohammed VI to promote dialogue and bring different cultures closer together.
“We unite the world in a peaceful country, a country that, together with His Majesty, has done a lot to bring all cultures together,” he said, describing the women’s tournament as part of that effort.
Beyond the competition itself, the FIFA president stressed football’s fundamental role in bringing people together and giving younger generations hope and opportunities.
“We have to remember why we are here. We are here for football, we are here to give hope, we are here to involve everyone,” he said.
He concluded by underscoring the sport’s universal appeal: “We are here to remind everyone that football belongs to everyone, everywhere in the world.”
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup kicks off in Morocco on Saturday, October 17. The Atlas Lionesses will compete in Group A alongside Germany, New Zealand and Argentina.
