FIFA inaugurated its first regional office in North Africa on Saturday, located near Morocco’s capital, Rabat, five years ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the occasion as “a historic day” in the organization’s remarkable history, highlighting the significance for football in Africa, Morocco, and around the world. He noted that the preparations and oversight for the 2030 World Cup will be coordinated from this new office.

The opening ceremony was attended by key figures including Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football, and Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Moroccan Football Federation, alongside other prominent sports officials.