By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
With preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup gathering pace, Morocco, Spain and Portugal have begun mobilizing the private sector to unlock the tournament’s vast economic potential.
At a business forum held in Salé on Tuesday, government officials, investors and corporate leaders from the three host nations met to map out investment pathways and partnership models tied to the global football spectacle. The gathering underscored the World Cup not only as a sporting event, but as a catalyst for infrastructure expansion, tourism growth, digital innovation and long-term regional integration.
Companies operating in construction, transport, hospitality, logistics and technology sectors explored collaborative opportunities aimed at ensuring efficient delivery of projects linked to the tournament. Emphasis was placed on sustainable investment strategies and coordinated planning across borders to maximise shared benefits.
Organizers pointed to Morocco’s experience hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as a practical template for managing large-scale sporting events, while stressing that the 2030 edition spanning three continents, requires even deeper cooperation.
The expanded 48-team competition will kick off with commemorative “Centenary Celebration Matches” in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay before moving to the core host nations of Spain, Portugal and Morocco in June and July 2030.
Fawzi Lekjaa, Morocco’s Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget and President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, said the forum serves as a strategic platform to align public and private sector efforts and ensure the tournament leaves a lasting economic and developmental legacy across the three countries.
