Morocco modernises its sports infrastructure for the 2030 World Cup
The World Cup to be held in 2030 in Morocco, Spain and Portugal is a very important event, above all because of the upgrading of equipment and infrastructure that will take place in the three organising countries.
Engineering plays a fundamental role in this process and Morocco wants to be up to the task of this global event and take advantage of its role as co-organiser to advance its development.
For this reason, the Mohammedia School of Engineering held a conference attended by representatives of the National Railways Office (ONCF), which is responsible for modernising the rail transport infrastructure; the National Society for the Construction and Management of Sports Facilities (SONARGES), which oversees the management of stadiums and sports facilities in Morocco, as well as other organisations.
In the words of Mouad Hajji, general coordinator of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, representing the president, Fouzi Lekjaa, ‘it is not just a question of hosting football matches, but of rethinking the way we organise, build and manage our infrastructure’.
Reforms in sports facilities
The renovation of stadiums is the main focus of the various projects that are to be carried out. It is not just a question of remodelling, SONARGES plans to completely redesign these infrastructures to bring them up to international standards.
In total, ten stadiums will be completely refurbished, with construction phases extending from 2025 to 2030. Thus, the Stade de Tanger, which will be an important venue for the World Cup, will increase its capacity from 65,000 to 75,600 spectators. And, on the other hand, the Fez Sports Complex will add 20,700 seats to the existing 35,000.
All this will be achieved by removing the athletics tracks, extending the stands and incorporating sky boxes and VIP areas. Imane Bensayeh, one of the architects working on the project, explained that ‘the challenge is not only to expand them, but to make these stadiums come alive and be able to welcome spectators outside of matches and generate their own activity’.
The spectator experience will also be redesigned, with the addition of public Wi-Fi equipment, IPTV networks, a high-definition sound system and giant LED screens to immerse spectators in the experience.
In terms of security, an intelligent access control system will be implemented, based on a network of security cameras with a centralised recording server, which will allow for optimal flow management and responsiveness in the event of an incident.
Transport logistics
The railway part of the transport engineering and logistics will also undergo modifications as part of the modernisation project. This is because the ONCF, a key partner in the event, is implementing a plan to expand and modernise the railway network. This will ensure smooth and efficient mobility in the host cities.
According to statements made by Badreddine Charfi, representative of the ONCF, the Office is working on the extension of the high-speed railway line between Kenitra and Marrakech, which will connect the north and south of Morocco in record time.
He also added that the modernisation of existing stations and the strengthening of their connections with urban transport will be a key factor for the success of the 2030 World Cup.
In addition, multimodal transport centres are planned for Tangiers, Casablanca and Marrakech, integrating trains, regional railways, trams and electric buses, with a view to both sustainability and accessibility.
The environment as a key factor
Architecture and engineering are not the only priorities of the projects, but also technology and the environment. Thus, solutions such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems, as well as smart lights to optimise energy management, are being integrated into the projects.
Likewise, Imane Bensayeh explained that they have designed a low-carbon infrastructure that optimises energy consumption and minimises waste emissions. The Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca will even obtain LEED Gold certification. This seal places the country in the dynamic of the most ecologically advanced stadiums.
In relation to the transformations, Mohammed Rhachi, vice-president of Mohammed V University and acting director of the National School of Computer Science and Systems Analysis (ENSIAS), emphasised a ‘successful’ digital transition to support this growth.
For his part, Dr Mahmoudi Hassan stated that ‘we are preparing a generation capable of facing technological and environmental challenges’. In this regard, engineering schools are already adapting their training, particularly in civil engineering, artificial intelligence and sustainable urban planning.