Legacy of the Past, Promise of the Future: Portugal, Morocco, and the 2030 World Cup

The upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.

It presents an invaluable opportunity for these nations to deepen their connections, with a particular focus on Portugal and Morocco.

The decision to include Morocco as one of the hosting nations for the 2030 World Cup is a testament to the world’s recognition of the country’s rich cultural heritage, strategic geographical location, and its commitment to promoting unity through sports. This tripartite collaboration not only underscores the inclusive nature of the game but also opens new doors for diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation.

In the early 8th century, the Umayyad Caliphate conquered great parts of modern-day continental Portugal, and the Islamic rule of what is now Portugal continued until the 13th century. This rule of over 500 years have had a lasting impact on the architecture, cuisine, arts, and languages of Portugal, most notably in Lisbon, Sintra, as well as the Algarve and Alentejo regions.

The Portuguese were present in Morocco for more than 300 years, from the 15^th to the 18^th century. During this period, the Portuguese built several fortresses along the Moroccan coast, including in today’s Essaouira, where the door of centuries-old Portuguese church remains a major a touristic attraction, and the fortified Portuguese city of today´s El Jadida, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The next six years represent a unique opportunity to delve into this intertwined past and to develop frameworks that can set common understanding and explore opportunities for joint economic and social development.

Shared heritage is an exceptional platform for Portugal and Morocco to advance cultural diplomacy as a tool to foster mutual understanding and appreciation.

One of the primary benefits of possible collaborative effort lies in the potential influx of tourists, football enthusiasts, and media attention during the World Cup, creating a unique stage for showcasing the diverse offerings of each nation.

Portugal, with its enchanting landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant culture, and Morocco, with its exotic charm, the contrast between centuries-old traditions in the ancient land of Northern Africa and the prosperous advancements like the recently built Mohammed VI Tower, stand to gain immensely from increased global visibility.

Aside from the bustling tourism, the joint organization of the World Cup provides an ideal setting for the two nations to explore and implement joint ventures in other sectors, such as academia, infrastructure development, as well as technology and trade. In other words, Portugal and Morocco can capitalize on this global event to forge strategic partnerships that extend beyond the sporting arenas.

In 2030 the world’s attention will turn towards the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa.