FIFA’s Infantino Pays Visit to Grand Stade de Tanger

Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhanouch stressed on Tuesday in New York that co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal reflects the Kingdom’s capacity to undertake flagship projects of global stage.

Under the perceptive leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom once again affirms its ability to mobilize its infrastructure and expertise, while showcasing the vibrant image of Africa on the world stage, Akhannouch stated in Morocco’s address during the General Debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

He further noted that this sporting event serves as a tool of cultural diplomacy and international outreach, with lasting impact on socio-economic and human development.

The Head of Government also underlined that Morocco views sport as a catalyst for empowerment and social integration, as well as a symbol of international cooperation and intercultural dialogue.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Grand Stade de Tanger to follow the ongoing renovation works that are nearing completion “in record time,” the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced on Saturday.

Infantino toured the stadium alongisde FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa and the Wali of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, Younes Tazi. According to the FRMF’s official website, project managers delivered a detailed briefing on the renovation works, which were carried out by Moroccan workers, national experts, and local companies.

Infantino expressed great admiration for the work accomplished and commended Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for its world-class infrastructure, which further strengthens the Kingdom’s standing on the international football stage, especially as it prepares to host major tournaments such as the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain.

“This is a perfect example of what Morocco has become—not only a great footballing nation, but also a country looking firmly toward the future. A country of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, and, as you can see from this stadium, a country clearly determined to do incredible things for its people and for the world,” said Infantino in a statement published on the FRMF’s YouTube channel.

“It’s absolutely magnificent. I congratulate everyone who has done truly exceptional work under the impetus of His Majesty the King. It’s a real gem—this will become a symbol of Tangier,” added the FIFA President.

The President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has been re-elected by acclamation as a member of the Executive Council of the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA) for the African continent.

Lekjaa’s re-election took place during the 28th General Assembly of the UAFA, held Monday in Riyadh, alongside Hani Abou Rida (Egypt), Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania), and Dr. Moatasem Jaafar (Sudan), according to a statement from the FRMF.

Furthermore, Morocco will host the final phase of the Arab Women’s Football Cup, scheduled from September 2 to 18, 2027, the same source added.

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, congratulated Morocco on the continental triumph of the national football team of local players, who won the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) on Saturday in Nairobi.

In a statement published by the pan-African organization and shared on its social media accounts, Ali Youssouf hailed the victory as “a proud moment for Morocco and for African football.”

The high-ranking African official also praised the tournament for showcasing Africa’s unity and talent, and applauded all participating teams for their passion and resilience. He also commended Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for their joint hosting, calling it a “model of regional partnership.”

Ali Youssouf paid tribute to Sudan for reaching the semi-finals despite the country’s challenges, describing the team’s performance as “a beacon of hope.”

Reaffirming the AU’s support, the Chairperson said sport is an important part of culture and diplomacy, and remains a powerful driver of peace, unity, and international cooperation.

The Moroccan local national team won its third African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) title on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, after defeating their counterparts from Madagascar by 3 goals to 2 in the final.

Morocco is a great footballing country, and its third title at the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) confirms its status as the best team, said FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Saturday in Nairobi.

“I am very happy for Morocco, which won its third CHAN title and showed that it fully deserves the trophy,” he told MAP following the CHAN final won by the national team against Madagascar (3-2) at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.

“It wasn’t easy to win this match. It was a tough game, a real, real final,” noted the FIFA President, adding that Morocco fully deserved the final and truly demonstrated that it was the best team in the CHAN.

Infantino also praised the enthusiasm of the crowd, which reflects the growth of football on the continent, expressing his great happiness for Africa, for Morocco, and for FIFA.

The Atlas Lions, already champions in 2018 and 2020, secured victory over the Malagasy team thanks to goals from Youssef Mehri (27th minute) and Oussama Lamlaoui (44th, 80th minutes), the latter scoring twice — including a memorable match-winning goal struck from midfield.

Madagascar’s goals came from Félicité Mantasoa (9th minute) and Toky Rakotondraibe (68th minute).

The outstanding infrastructure developed by Morocco has propelled the Kingdom among “the world football elite,” President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, said on Wednesday.

The outstanding infrastructure developed by Morocco has propelled the Kingdom into the “world elite of football,” said Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), on Wednesday.

“Morocco’s vision, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, to promote excellence in football at the global level is extraordinary,” Infantino told the press on the sidelines of the reception hosted by HM King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the glorious Throne Day.

After recalling his recent visit to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, the FIFA president praised the “magnificent” organization of the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), held from July 5 to 26 in the Kingdom.

“I would like to congratulate Morocco on its brilliant results in this continental competition,” he said.

The FIFA President noted that Morocco will also host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for men, the next five editions of the U17 Women’s World Cup, and the 2030 World Cup, jointly with Spain and Portugal, highlighting the “outstanding” quality of the Kingdom’s existing infrastructure.

He also expressed his pride in the opening of FIFA’s Africa office in Morocco, a structure that will play a “key role” in serving African and global football.