FIFA Opens First North African Office Ahead of 2030 World Cup

FIFA has officially inaugurated its first regional office in North Africa, located near Rabat, Morocco. The opening took place on Saturday, marking a significant expansion of FIFA’s presence just five years before the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, described the occasion as a milestone for FIFA’s engagement with Africa and the global football community. He emphasized that this new office, situated near the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamora, will play a crucial role in the operational logistics for the upcoming tournament.

Strategic Significance and Local Engagement

The inauguration ceremony attracted key figures in the football community, including Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and FIFA Council Member. Their attendance highlighted the importance of the new office, which opens just hours before the final match of the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Morocco faces Nigeria.

This initiative positions Morocco as only the second African nation to host a FIFA World Cup, following South Africa‘s historic tournament in 2010. Morocco previously made five unsuccessful bids to host the event, making this latest development a significant achievement for the nation.

Expanding FIFA’s Global Network

FIFA currently operates several regional offices worldwide, including four in Africa: Dakar (Senegal), Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo), Kigali (Rwanda), and Johannesburg (South Africa). The establishment of the Rabat facility enhances FIFA’s footprint in Africa, which is seen as a pivotal period for the continent’s football development.

Infantino reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to fostering football in Africa, stating that the new office will facilitate closer collaboration with local football authorities and organizations. This strategic move reflects FIFA’s dedication to enhancing the sport’s infrastructure and visibility in the region.

As the countdown to the 2030 World Cup continues, the establishment of the Rabat office signifies a new chapter in FIFA’s efforts to engage with African nations and promote football on the continent.