Tangier, future capital of sport and the economy? Morocco’s gains between CAN 2025 and the 2030 World Cup
Morocco’s hosting of major international sporting events marks a historic turning point in the country’s overall national development process. Sport is no longer just a form of entertainment, but a strategic lever aimed at reshaping infrastructure, strengthening the Kingdom’s international positioning, and propelling the national economy toward unprecedented levels of growth. The current success of Morocco in preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2025) represents a true “full-scale test” before reaching the ultimate goal: co-hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. This strategy goes beyond stadium renovations and includes a radical modernization of transport, digital infrastructure, tourism services, and security. This has had a direct impact on the real estate sector, particularly in Tangier, which is experiencing exceptional pressure on rental and sales markets due to the massive influx of investments and foreign executives.
Economic drivers and tourism challenges of CAN 2025
CAN 2025 acts as an immediate economic accelerator. Initial estimates project additional revenues of around 12 billion dirhams, driven by the expected arrival of approximately one million visitors. This massive human influx, including supporters, journalists, and sponsors, creates strong momentum within the economic fabric, boosting revenues in vital sectors such as hospitality, restaurants, transport, and local commerce.
Hosting this event places Morocco in the global media spotlight, strengthening its image as a top tourist destination. In 2025, the country already recorded record figures with nearly 20 million international tourists, representing a 14% increase compared to the previous year, thanks to the 2023–2026 tourism roadmap.
| Tourism and economic indicator | Recorded/forecasted value in 2025 | Target for 2030 |
| Number of tourist arrivals | 20 million tourists | 26 million tourists |
| Direct financial revenues from CAN | 12 billion MAD | – |
| Total tourism revenues | 124 billion MAD (end of Nov. 2025) | 120 billion MAD (sustainable annual revenues) |
| Job opportunities related to the World Cup | – | Thousands of direct and indirect jobs |
Beyond the direct financial impact, CAN supports the emergence of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by giving them access to public markets related to equipment and services, ensuring sustainable growth beyond the competition.
Tangier at the heart of change: Infrastructure and urban revival
The city of Tangier is undergoing a radical transformation to become an international hub capable of accommodating millions of tourists and supporters. The preparations for 2025 and 2030 include a series of major projects that are redefining the city’s urban landscape.
Transport revolution and logistics connectivity
To support the expected influx, major projects are currently underway:
Development of Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport: A budget of over 3.27 billion dirhams has been allocated for its expansion and the construction of a new terminal, aiming for a capacity of more than 7 million passengers per year.
Tangier Tramway Project: This strategic project plans a network of three lines spanning 25 to 30 km, with an estimated cost of 8.4 billion dirhams.
Expansion of the road network and tunnels: Construction of underground tunnels to ease traffic near the Sports City, extension of Moulay Rachid Avenue, and a highway project connecting Tangier to Tetouan to strengthen regional integration.
Cable Car Project: Technical studies are underway for a cable transport system capable of carrying 2,000 passengers per hour, connecting the port to the medina.
The real estate boom in Tangier: Analysis of the rental and sales market
The preparation for these sporting events, combined with the influx of industrial investments such as the “Tangier Tech” project and free zones, has created unprecedented pressure on the real estate market. Tangier is now experiencing a true “real estate gold rush,” with soaring prices creating huge investment opportunities.
High rental demand: From family housing to tourism investment
The rental market in Tangier is experiencing what can be described as a "crazy" increase, with available housing no longer sufficient to meet demand. This surge results from several factors:
Influx of foreign executives: The massive arrival of foreign engineers and experts, particularly from China for industrial projects, has increased pressure on luxury housing and long-term leases.
Short-term rental phenomenon (Airbnb): Many property owners are turning to digital platforms to rent to tourists and supporters, offering returns far higher than traditional monthly rentals, which reduces availability for permanent residents.
Sports and logistics construction sites: The constant need to house thousands of workers for stadium and road projects maintains sustained demand in areas that were once peripheral.
Rental prices in popular neighborhoods have risen from 1,500 MAD to over 3,000 MAD, while it has become very difficult to find an apartment in the city center for less than 2,200 MAD.
Evolution of sales prices and 2030 outlook
Real estate prices in Tangier rose by 5% to 8% in 2024, and this trend is expected to accelerate in 2025, reaching 10% in some strategic neighborhoods. Real estate investment in Tangier is currently considered one of the safest and most profitable in Morocco, thanks to modern infrastructure and the high-speed train (TGV) connection.
Leveraging the CAN experience to prepare for the 2030 World Cup
Hosting CAN 2025 represents a comprehensive test for Morocco to assess the readiness of all sectors for the world’s biggest event in 2030.
Security and international cooperation: The testimony of the FBI
One of the most remarkable signs of Morocco’s success is the international interest in its security model. In January 2026, Morocco received a high-level delegation from the U.S. FBI to review the security protocol adopted during the competition. The delegation praised the precision of the measures, the use of modern technologies such as drones and high-resolution cameras, as well as digital coordination between command centers. This cooperation strengthens the confidence of international institutions and paves the way for the 2030 World Cup.
Economic impact and macroeconomic growth
Hosting the World Cup will be a 40-day global advertising campaign for Morocco, increasing the value of its "country brand". These events are expected to boost GDP and stimulate foreign direct investment (FDI). Morocco has announced a 42 billion dirham investment plan to modernize infrastructure, aiming for overall and sustainable economic growth.
The experience of Qatar 2022 is inspiring: the country maintained a stable GDP growth of 4.5% over a decade of preparations. Morocco aims for similar results through calculated investments.
| World Cup investment comparison | Morocco (2030) | Spain (2030) | Portugal (2030) |
| Announced investment plan | $4.4 billion (42 billion MAD) | Massive investments in stadiums (e.g., Bernabéu) | Complementary investments and modernization |
| Expected financial impact | $1.2 billion in additional gains | Over €5 billion in profits | Approximately €800 million |
| Strategic focus | Infrastructure, new stadiums, high-speed train (TGV) | Modernization to boost tourism revenue | Updating existing facilities to boost tourism |
Future vision: Morocco by 2030
The benefits Morocco gains from CAN and the World Cup go beyond sports, helping to build a "new Morocco" with world-class infrastructure and an attractiveness that rivals European countries. Tangier, as the gateway to Africa and a junction with Europe, embodies this ambition.
Strategic recommendations :
For real estate investors: Focus on areas with strong logistical connectivity (proximity to the high-speed train and future tram lines) to ensure the best returns.
For SMEs: Take advantage of digital upgrade programs and services to meet the international standards required by FIFA.
For local authorities: It is necessary to strengthen control over the rental market to prevent speculation that could harm the social stability of residents.
In conclusion, the journey from CAN 2025 to the 2030 World Cup is a path of modernization for the Moroccan state, strengthening its confidence on the global stage as an international player capable of shaping both sporting and economic history.
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