FIFA Arena Initiative Aimed at Long-Term Impact in Morocco
In a significant meeting held at the FIFA Africa Office in Rabat, Morocco's capital, discussions were centered around how the FIFA Arena can exert a sustainable influence on the nation. Representatives from the national government, educational institutions, and the football sector convened to explore the various sectors that will be integrated into the project and benefit from it in the long run. Notably, the OCP Group attended the meeting following an agreement made in January 2026 with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, which outlines the establishment of 30 FIFA Arena mini-pitches across the North African country.
The workshop saw active participation from officials in education and football, who collaborated with FIFA representatives and national government officials to introduce the post-usage concept of the FIFA Arena project in Morocco. In January, President Infantino signed a landmark agreement with the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), the Ministry of National Education, Preschool Education, and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco, and the OCP Group, a global leader in fertilizer and phosphate products. This agreement is pivotal for the establishment of the 30 FIFA Arena mini-pitches in Morocco.
Collaborative Efforts to Ensure Sustainable Impact
During the one-day workshop at FIFA's Africa Office, participants from relevant ministries, the FRMF, and educational institutions discussed strategies to work alongside FIFA to ensure that the 30 FIFA Arena locations will have a meaningful and sustainable impact. Presentations from the Moroccan Ministry of Education, the FRMF, and the OCP Group were shared with participants to contextualize the program within local academic and football frameworks. The support from these entities is expected to expedite the implementation of the project following the inauguration of the first mini-pitch in the city of Meknès in November 2025.
Additionally, numerous FIFA departments delivered presentations to highlight the extensive range of initiatives that can be launched thanks to the mini-pitches. These initiatives include FIFA Football for Schools, the FIFA Talent Development Program, the promotion of women's football, and health-related topics. The FIFA Arena project was officially launched by President Infantino during the 75th FIFA Congress in Asunción, Paraguay, in May 2025, as a response to a commitment made at the international summit on sport and sustainable development held in Paris. The ambitious goal is to establish at least 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide by the time of the FIFA Congress in 2031.
As reported by inside.fifa.com.
