Infantino hails Morocco and backs 2030 World Cup to be the most beautiful in history

Gianni Infantino has predicted that the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, will be “without doubt the most beautiful in history” as he paid tribute to the country during national celebrations.

The FIFA president was speaking during festivities for the Fete du Trone (Throne Day), after being invited to a reception led by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI in the northern city of M’diq.

Infantino said he felt at home in the North African nation, which is preparing to stage matches at the centenary edition of the tournament in six years’ time.

“I am at home in this great country, the Kingdom of Morocco, to take part in the celebrations of the Throne Day,” he said, describing his “great pride” at being involved in the occasion.

‘Most beautiful in history’

Morocco is set to share hosting duties for the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, in a tournament that will mark 100 years since the first edition was held in Uruguay in 1930.

Infantino underlined his expectation that the joint bid will deliver a landmark event for world football.

“The 2030 World Cup, which the Kingdom of Morocco is preparing to host alongside Spain and Portugal, will without doubt be the most beautiful in history,” he said.

He went on to emphasise that the Moroccan leg of the tournament, in particular, would stand out.

“The next edition of the World Cup, which will take place in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, which is Morocco, can only be the most beautiful,” he added.

Praise for Moroccan fans

Infantino also highlighted the passion of Moroccan supporters, suggesting that their enthusiasm would be central to the atmosphere of the 2030 tournament.

In comments reported by the Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) news agency, the FIFA president said that the country’s football culture would help make visiting fans feel welcome.

He stressed that Moroccans are known both for their love of the game and for the way they celebrate their national team “with joy and enthusiasm”, and said that same spirit would extend to the global fanbase arriving for the World Cup.

According to Infantino, those qualities will be an asset when the country opens its doors to the rest of the world in 2030, as part of the tri‐nation hosting arrangement.

He said Moroccan supporters, already renowned for the fervent backing they give their own side, would also “welcome the fans of the world” during the finals.

Infantino’s visit to M’diq for the Throne Day reception underlined the close ties between FIFA and Morocco ahead of the centenary World Cup, which will see the kingdom stage matches in the showpiece tournament for the first time in its history.