The World Football Summit officially kicked off today in Rabat, gathering football leaders and experts from around the globe.
Held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), this is the first time the international event takes place on African soil — and Morocco is right at the heart of it.
Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation, said that Morocco has always been an important link between Africa and Europe, making it the perfect place to bring both continents together. For him, the World Cup isn’t just about football—it’s about creating opportunities, boosting the economy, and improving lives.
“Football is more than just a sport,” Lekjaa said. “It’s a powerful tool for growth and change. This World Cup will inspire people, create jobs, and help build better infrastructure. It’s about progress and unity that will leave a lasting impact on Morocco, Africa, and the world.”
Lekjaa believes that Morocco’s position as a bridge between cultures will make the 2030 World Cup special, not just for the country, but for the whole region.
Lekjaa said that hosting the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) will put Morocco on the path to organizing even more major tournaments and sporting events in the future.
Lekjaa believes these events will help elevate Morocco’s reputation and open doors for even bigger opportunities in the world of sports.
Hicham El Habti, the President of UM6P, said that sports, especially football, have the power to bring people together, inspire greatness, and create real change in communities.
He shared how UM6P is focused on preparing the next generation of leaders in Africa, with education playing a key role in shaping the continent’s future.
El Habti said that sports, particularly football, are not just games – they are a force for economic growth and opportunity.
With big events like the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup coming up, Morocco has the chance to improve infrastructure, motivate young people, and boost the economy.
But to fully take advantage of these opportunities, El Habti said that it’s important to invest in education to grow sports.
The president also introduced Evosport, a new project from UM6P aimed at creating a sustainable sports ecosystem.
Through Evosport, UM6P seeks to discover talent, drive innovation, and bring together people to help shape the future of sports in Morocco, Africa, and beyond.
Jan Elessie, co-founder of World Football Summit, said it was a real honor to bring the event to Morocco for the first time, calling it a country that means a lot to him and one he hopes will continue to play a key role in future editions.
Over the next two days, more than 1,000 participants from 47 countries will come together in Rabat, with over 100 speakers and 27 panels focused on the future of football in Africa.
Elessie said that events like this are vital for growing the football and sports industry across the continent, connecting people, inspiring young talent, and opening real opportunities for the future.
Over the next two days, WFS Rabat will bring together big names from FIFA, CAF, football clubs, and leagues to talk about how the sport can grow and improve across the continent.
Speakers will also dive into topics like using football to boost tourism, how sports can drive economic growth, and the impact of technology on the game.
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