The Rise of Morocco as a Hub for African Football

Over the past decade, Morocco has steadily transformed into one of the  best footballing nation and a continental hub for African football. With strategic investments in infrastructure, successful hosting of major tournaments, and an ambitious international vision, Morocco is increasingly seen as a model for sports development in Africa.

Why Morocco? Key Drivers Behind the Rise

Infrastructure investment

Morocco has invested heavily in stadiums, training facilities, transport links and hospitality services. The North African country now boasts modern venues such as the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, and upgraded facilities in Rabat and Marrakech. Morocco has shown itself able to host continental and global events, earning praise from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for its “track record”.

Strategic sporting ambition

Following the landmark performance of the Moroccan men’s national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup (they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals) the country’s football profile rose dramatically, This feat has been backed up by notable performances in subsequent global, continental and regional tournaments. Football in Morocco is not just sport: it’s a diplomatic tool, a statement of national ambition and an avenue for engagement across Africa. Morocco uses football hosting to strengthen its continental ties and global positioning

Recent Major Tournaments Hosted by Morocco

One thing that points to The Rise of Morocco as a Hub for African Football is the several key tournaments  that Morocco has hosted in recent years. These tournaments demonstrate Morocco’s growing role not only in men’s senior football, but across youth, women’s and alternative formats (futsal) of the game.

These include:

• 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) – This tournament, for players active in domestic leagues, was held in Morocco, helping build up their hosting experience.

• 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) – Morocco hosted the premier African women’s tournament, raising the profile of women’s football in the region

• 2023 U‑23 Africa Cup of Nations – Held in Morocco between 24 June–8 July 2023.

• 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) – Morocco hosted the premier African women’s tournament for the second time in a row. The tournament was played in 2025 after some delay due to last year's Olympic Games Paris 2024.

• 2025 Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations – Morocco hosted the inaugural edition of this women’s futsal competition in Rabat in April 2025.

 

Upcoming & Future Events Morocco is Set to Host

Morocco is not slowing down as there are significant upcoming events and future commitments:

• 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – Morocco is set to host this flagship men’s African tournament from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, fielding 24 teams.

• 2025 FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup – Morocco is host of this global women’s youth competition (17 October – 8 November 2025).

• 2026 U‑17 Africa Cup of Nations – Morocco chosen to host this youth tournament.

• 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) – Morocco is set to host the even for 3 consecutive editions, further demonstrating their dominance as the go-to sporting hub.

• 2030 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted with Spain and Portugal) – Morocco will become only the second African nation to host the men’s World Cup (after South Africa in 2010).

What This Means for Africa & Football

• Raising hosting standards: Morocco is helping elevate what it means to host a tournament in Africa through modern stadiums, accommodation, logistics, and  fan experience.

• Increased visibility for African football: With Morocco hosting more youth tournaments, women’s competitions, and major events, opportunities for African teams and players to shine grow.

• Investment ripple effects: Stadiums, transport, hospitality – hosting major tournaments drives broader socio-economic investment. Morocco’s 2025/2030 efforts include large infrastructure projects which will significantly improve the country’s economy.

• Strategic regional influence: Morocco’s sports hosting agenda ties into continental diplomacy, soft-power, and its ambition to be a gateway for African football as well as football on a global scale.

• Legacy for domestic sport: Hosting helps accelerate domestic league improvements, youth development and football culture growth. This is already evident in Morocco’s, performances in regional and continental tournaments.

Conclusion

Morocco’s rise as a hub for African football and sports is no accident. It is a result of strategic planning, infrastructure investment, consistent hosting of tournaments and a vision for the future. These factors have placed the country at the center of the continent’s sporting map.

For African football fans and stakeholders, Morocco offers a blueprint: not just to host, but to host well  with attention to legacy, inclusivity (youth, women’s events) and global standards. As the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 World Cup approach, all eyes will be on Morocco to deliver and set new benchmarks for the continent.