The tournament in brief
The 2030 World Cup is organised by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with three opening matches in South America (Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay) to mark the competition's centenary. In Morocco, six cities are expected to host matches:
| City | Stadium situation (as reported in 2026) |
|---|---|
| Casablanca area | The Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane, under construction, planned for more than 115,000 spectators |
| Rabat | Existing stadium modernised |
| Tangier | Existing stadium modernised |
| Marrakech | Existing stadium modernised |
| Agadir | Existing stadium modernised |
| Fez | Existing stadium modernised |
Several of these stadiums were already renovated for the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco in 2025–2026. Match allocation between the three countries is decided by FIFA and had not been fully published at the time of writing.
Faster trains: Kenitra to Marrakech at high speed
The most significant change for visitors is the high-speed rail extension from Kenitra to Marrakech, launched in April 2025 and targeted for completion before the end of 2029. Today, the Al Boraq high-speed train links Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca, while Marrakech is reached by conventional train. Once the new line opens, a Tangier–Marrakech journey is expected to take about 2 hours 40 minutes, making it realistic to combine the north and the south of the country in a short trip.
Until then, plan Casablanca–Marrakech by conventional train (about 2.5–3 hours). See our transport guide for current journey times.
More hotels and upgraded airports
According to Moroccan media reports in 2026, the government aims to add around 60,000 additional hotel beds by 2030, with development not only in Marrakech and Agadir but also in cities such as Rabat. Major airports are being extended and modernised to handle more passengers. For travellers, this should mean more choice — but also construction work in some city centres and airports over the next few years.
What it means for your trip
If you travel before 2030. Expect building sites around stadiums, stations and some airports, particularly in Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech. Tourism is growing fast — Morocco received a record 19.8 million visitors in 2025 — so book accommodation earlier than you would have a few years ago, especially for spring, autumn and holidays.
If you plan to attend matches. Hotels in host cities will sell out early and prices will rise sharply during the tournament. Consider staying in a nearby city connected by train (for example Rabat or Kenitra for Casablanca matches) and moving between cities by rail. Ticket sales are handled exclusively by FIFA — beware of unofficial resellers.
If you want to avoid the crowds. Summer 2030 will be the busiest period in Morocco's tourism history. If you are not coming for football, the quieter months — November, January–February — or less-visited regions such as the Atlas Mountains, Chefchaouen or the south will offer a calmer experience.
Practical reminders that will not change
- Entry rules remain the same: many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Check our visa and entry guide.
- Summer in the interior is very hot — matches in June and July will mean heat in Marrakech and Fez. See when to visit Morocco.
- The dirham remains a closed currency; plan cash for everyday expenses. See money and tipping.
We will update this article as stadiums, rail and match schedules are confirmed.
Sources
- FIFA announcements on the 2030 hosts (Morocco, Spain, Portugal, with centenary matches in South America).
- Hespress, "Mondial 2030 : où en sont les grands chantiers engagés par le Maroc ?" (July 2026).
- Wikipedia, Kenitra–Marrakesh high-speed rail line (launch April 2025; completion targeted before end of 2029).
- Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, 2025 arrivals figures (reported January 2026).
This guide was last reviewed in October 2026. Entry rules, opening hours, transport timetables and prices change; check official sources shortly before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.