Global or social priorities?

Some Moroccan citizens believe that the organization of the World Cup is not a priority and that the funds allocated would have been better invested in education or health. This reflection is logical and legitimate, because sport is a luxury that is fully appreciated once the essential needs satisfied. This opinion reflects a real attachment to national interest.

However, by adopting a broader vision, hosting the World Cup can prove to be a strategic choice, if we consider the challenges and opportunities that this global event represents.

Organizing the World Cup is an exceptional opportunity to accelerate the development of infrastructure in Morocco – a key factor to attract foreign investments. Investors are looking for stable environments with high -performance infrastructure: modern ports, efficient airports, fluid road networks. Like Dubai, Shanghai or Mauritius, these regions attract capital thanks to incentive laws and especially thanks to world -class infrastructure facilitating trade and distribution of products.

These investments energize the local economy, create employment, reduce poverty and increase public revenues, thus making it possible to improve essential services such as health and education.

Investing massively in the social sectors without generating new sources of income risks weakening the country’s financial balance. The decline in public and private investment can cause an economic slowdown, resulting in unemployment and worsening of poverty.

The danger is real: without sufficient resources, the state would be unable to maintain a satisfactory level of education and health, thus leading to a loss on all fronts.

School is undoubtedly the matrix of creative minds. But these talents need a favorable ecosystem to hatch. Ideas alone are not enough without infrastructure, funding and opportunities.

Facebook’s example illustrates this principle perfectly: without the dynamic environment of the United States, its success would not have been assured. Many innovators, including Moroccan scientists, such as Moncef Slaoui, migrate to countries offering conditions conducive to the realization of their projects.

To attract and retain talents, Morocco must create this stimulating economic environment, while investing in parallel in education and, in particular, in vocational training, which remains an under-exploited lever.

The World Cup is also a great showcase for Moroccan culture and history. Already recognized for its soft power (soft power) in Africa, alongside Egypt and South Africa, Morocco has the opportunity to further strengthen its cultural and geopolitical influence. Organizing a global event in partnership with Spain and Portugal – two European powers – is in itself a major diplomatic victory.

Increased international visibility opens up new perspectives for investment, cooperation and tourism development.

The fallout from the World Cup far exceeds the influx of visitors during the competition. By highlighting its cultural heritage, its unique landscapes, its refined crafts, its gastronomy, and the legendary hospitality of its inhabitants, Morocco can transform this event into a sustainable engine for tourism.

In addition, the development of airport infrastructure will facilitate the direct arrival of tourists in the different regions of the kingdom, revitalizing the local economy far beyond 2030.

Ideally, we would all like to see an efficient education and health system progress in parallel with the organization of the World Cup. But economic realities impose complex arbitrations. Welcoming the 2030 World Cup is a strategic opportunity to accelerate the development of infrastructure, stimulate investment and promote the image of Morocco internationally.

Economic and social growth are two complementary pillars. It is therefore essential to adopt a global vision and to understand that this event is not an end in itself, but a lever to build a better future for Morocco.