Morocco Inaugurates First FIFA Arena in Benguerir

The first FIFA Arena in Morocco was inaugurated on November 8 in Benguerir, a town in the province of Rehamna. This new infrastructure is the result of a partnership between the Fédération internationale de football association (FIFA), the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), the Groupe OCP, and two government ministries. The FIFA Arena program aims to provide children with nearby spaces dedicated to football practice.

The FIFA Arena program was launched in 2025 with the goal of building at least 1,000 mini-terrains near schools and in disadvantaged neighborhoods worldwide by 2031. Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, recalled the program's ambitions in a video message, emphasizing that every child deserves a safe place to play football. He also praised Morocco's commitment to this initiative, with 30 FIFA Arena terrains planned across the country.

Abdelghani Filali, Managing Director OCP SBU Mining, highlighted the Groupe OCP's commitment to this initiative, which aims to promote sports practice among young people and contribute to local community development. The program focuses on providing children with nearby sports infrastructure, promoting their development and inclusion.

Abdessalam Mili, director of school sports promotion at the Moroccan Ministry of National Education, emphasized the importance of these nearby infrastructures in promoting sports practice in schools. He sees them as a key to children's development and socialization. Mustapha Messoudi, secretary general of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports, also stressed the importance of collaboration between institutions to promote children's inclusion and participation.

The inauguration ceremony also announced the FIFA Arena Kids Cup Morocco 2027, a competition that will bring together young players from the first ten regions equipped with a FIFA Arena terrain. The goal is to promote football practice and consolidate the social and sports legacy of the FIFA Arena program in local communities.

The partnership behind this initiative includes the FRMF, Groupe OCP, the Ministry of National Education, and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports. This collaboration aims to provide children with safe spaces for sports practice and promote community development.

The launch of the first FIFA Arena in Morocco marks an important step in the country's commitment to promoting football and community development. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of young people and contribute to the country's sports development.

Key points

• The FIFA Arena program aims to build at least 1,000 mini-terrains worldwide by 2031.
• Morocco plans to host 30 FIFA Arena terrains as part of the partnership.
• The program promotes football practice and community development among young people.