Morocco's bid to host the 2030 World Cup appears increasingly credible after the recent Africa Cup of Nations. The country has invested heavily in its infrastructure, with modern stadiums and pitches across six cities hosting games at this year's tournament. A new 115,000-capacity stadium is set to be built in Casablanca, while existing facilities in Agadir, Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, and Tangier are being renovated.
However, concerns remain regarding access to stadiums, particularly the smaller ones in Rabat and Marrakech. The risk of crushes developing at these venues is a significant issue, as witnessed during Côte d'Ivoire's last-16 win over Burkina Faso. Improved crowd management systems would be essential for the World Cup.
The bigger question mark surrounds Morocco's ability to manage the logistical demands of hosting the tournament. While internal flights and conventional trains are in place, the limitations of these options may pose a challenge, particularly when it comes to transporting large numbers of fans to and from stadiums.
A notable aspect of this year's Africa Cup of Nations is the emergence of African teams as legitimate contenders on the global stage. The performances of Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt, and Morocco – who reached the semi-finals last time out – suggest that the continent's elite are beginning to assert themselves.
The recent bonus dispute in Nigeria serves as a reminder that issues surrounding player compensation and entitlements can still cause problems within the football community. However, the overall standard of play on the pitch has improved, with several teams demonstrating quality beyond their international group stage performances.
As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup, there is reason to be optimistic about its chances of delivering a successful event. The country's infrastructure, while not perfect, appears well-equipped to handle the demands of hosting the tournament. With careful planning and attention to crowd management, Morocco can provide a memorable experience for fans from around the world.
However, concerns remain regarding access to stadiums, particularly the smaller ones in Rabat and Marrakech. The risk of crushes developing at these venues is a significant issue, as witnessed during Côte d'Ivoire's last-16 win over Burkina Faso. Improved crowd management systems would be essential for the World Cup.
The bigger question mark surrounds Morocco's ability to manage the logistical demands of hosting the tournament. While internal flights and conventional trains are in place, the limitations of these options may pose a challenge, particularly when it comes to transporting large numbers of fans to and from stadiums.
A notable aspect of this year's Africa Cup of Nations is the emergence of African teams as legitimate contenders on the global stage. The performances of Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt, and Morocco – who reached the semi-finals last time out – suggest that the continent's elite are beginning to assert themselves.
The recent bonus dispute in Nigeria serves as a reminder that issues surrounding player compensation and entitlements can still cause problems within the football community. However, the overall standard of play on the pitch has improved, with several teams demonstrating quality beyond their international group stage performances.
As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup, there is reason to be optimistic about its chances of delivering a successful event. The country's infrastructure, while not perfect, appears well-equipped to handle the demands of hosting the tournament. With careful planning and attention to crowd management, Morocco can provide a memorable experience for fans from around the world.