When Morocco’s Under-20 team lifted the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup trophy in Santiago, Chile, it was more than just a win — it was the result of a national plan that began over a decade ago.
For the second time in three years, Morocco stood proudly among the world’s football elite. After the men’s senior team reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the U-20 triumph confirmed that Morocco’s success is not coincidence. It’s the product of strategy, investment, and patience.
And the story is far from over. Morocco will soon co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, making it the first African nation to do so. The journey from local pitches to the world stage shows how the country’s financial commitment to football has paid off — both on and off the field.
Building the Foundations: The Money Behind Morocco’s Football Revolution
The modern era of Moroccan football began in 2009 with the creation of the Mohammed VI Football Academy near Rabat — a $65 million project backed by King Mohammed VI himself. It was the cornerstone of a long-term vision: to make Morocco a global football force.
Since then, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has built an entire network of world-class facilities:
- More than 20 regional training centers across the country.
- Five FIFA-standard stadiums in Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Fez, and Agadir.
- A technical complex in Maâmora, opened in 2019 for about $70 million, considered one of Africa’s finest training bases.
- The Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane, currently under construction, will have a planned capacity of around 115,000 seats, making it one of the largest stadiums in the world when completed by 2027–28.
These investments were financed through a mix of public funds, FIFA Forward Program grants, and private sponsors such as Attijariwafa Bank and Inwi.
For Morocco, football is not a pastime — it’s a national industry, generating jobs, tourism, and international influence. The results of that mindset are now visible across every level of the game.
The Academy Dividend: From Local Pitches to Global Markets
Morocco’s biggest return on investment has been its player development pipeline.
The Mohammed VI Academy and regional centers have produced a new generation of elite footballers now thriving in Europe’s top leagues, including:
- Youssef En-Nesyri, a key scorer during the 2022 World Cup.
- Nayef Aguerd (Olympique Marseille), transferred for about €35 million in 2022.
- Azzedine Ounahi, one of the stars of Qatar 2022.
According to Transfermarkt, the combined market value of Moroccan players abroad has risen from about €150 million in 2015 to over €500 million by 2024. Every international transfer also brings in FIFA solidarity payments, which send a percentage of fees back to Moroccan academies and clubs that helped develop those players.
This creates a self-sustaining ecosystem: success abroad fuels growth at home.
The U-20 World Cup win in Santiago — achieved mostly by players trained in Morocco — shows just how strong that ecosystem has become. The country now exports footballing talent while also retaining the financial benefits of its training programs.
Beyond the Pitch: Tourism, Sponsorship, and Soft Power
Football’s financial impact in Morocco extends well beyond stadiums and players.
After the national team’s historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run, Morocco captured the imagination of fans worldwide. According to Google Trends, global searches for “Visit Morocco” doubled during the tournament, while the Ministry of Tourism reported a record 13 million visitors in 2023.
Football has become Morocco’s most powerful marketing tool. Every major victory — from Qatar 2022 to Santiago 2025 — has broadcast the country’s culture, unity, and modern identity to millions around the globe.
Corporate sponsorship has followed. Major Moroccan brands such as OCP Group, Inwi, and Attijariwafa Bank have expanded partnerships with the national teams, and international companies now view Moroccan football as a gateway to both African and Arab markets.
Morocco is also using football as soft power. Hosting the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and preparing to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal — the first World Cup to span two continents — cements its role as a global sporting hub.
The new Rabat stadium and the massive Benslimane arena are key pieces of that vision. Beyond matches, they will attract concerts, conferences, and international events, creating new sources of tourism and revenue.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Morocco’s Football Economy
With so many milestones achieved, Morocco’s next goal is sustainability — ensuring long-term financial stability and inclusive growth.
The priorities are clear:
- Transparency — Continue publishing FRMF budgets and audits to maintain public trust.
- Private investment — Encourage more Moroccan companies to fund clubs, academies, and leagues.
- Domestic-league modernization — Strengthen the Botola Pro League through better media rights and fan engagement.
- Inclusive development — Expand grassroots and women’s football programs to nurture future generations.
With the 2030 World Cup approaching, Morocco stands at the crossroads of sport and economy. If managed wisely, the billions invested in stadiums and infrastructure will leave a legacy that reaches far beyond football — powering tourism, technology, and local communities.
Conclusion: The Return on Vision
From Mohammed VI Football Academy near Rabat to Santiago’s world stage, Morocco’s football journey proves that passion plus planning equals power.
The 2022 World Cup semi-final showed Morocco could challenge the world’s best. The 2025 U-20 World Cup title confirmed its youth system is world-class. And the upcoming 2030 World Cup will mark Morocco’s arrival as both host and heavyweight in global football.
These are not lucky moments — they are the dividends of years of investment and smart governance. Morocco has built not just a football system, but a football economy — one that produces stars, strengthens tourism, and unites a nation.
As cranes rise over Benslimane and crowds fill the new Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco’s message to the world is clear: this is what happens when you treat football not as a game, but as a vision for the future.