The media debate between Morocco and Spain over hosting the 2030 World Cup final has drawn reactions beyond the two countries, particularly across Africa.
With the continent having hosted the World Cup only once, several African countries believe the 2030 final should be awarded to Morocco.
That support is particularly evident in Mali. Sports journalist Souleymane Bobo Tounkara said, “As an African, Morocco was right to ask to host the 2030 World Cup final.”
He cited two fundamental reasons in support of Morocco’s bid. The first is the country’s organizational capacity. “For around a decade, Morocco has been organizing major international competitions. The country is present at all the major sporting events around the world,” he said.
The second, he added, is infrastructure. “Morocco has equipped itself with all the infrastructure needed to host a World Cup final.”
The sports journalist also pointed out that “Spain has already hosted a World Cup, which is not the case for Morocco. For that reason alone, it would be fair to award the final to Morocco.”
Baba Cissouma, editor-in-chief of sports newspaper Le Match, also pointed to the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, through which “the Kingdom restructured, renovated and even built new stadiums such as the Hassan II Grand Stadium in Benslimane, with a capacity of around 115,000 spectators, which will be one of the largest stadiums in the world.”
Model of the Grand Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane.
He also referred to the political context in support of the Kingdom, saying, “The legislative elections have just taken place, and the next government will be the World Cup government.”
For his part, Drissa Niono, editor-in-chief of web TV Le Buteur, highlighted Africa’s performance at the most recent World Cup. “At the recent World Cup, the African countries showed some great things. Nine of the ten teams made it through the first round. Once again, Morocco was the best team on the continent and the only one to reach the quarter-finals, which is important to highlight,” he said.
For Niono, “It would be a great final if it is held in Morocco. The Kingdom is a football-loving country, as shown by the Casablanca derby between Raja and WAC. During the AFCON, we saw that it is a country that loves good football and knows how to support its team. Morocco also loves major events.”
