Morocco plans to expand its hotel capacity by 60,000 beds, equal to about a fifth of its current total, by the time the country co-hosts ​the 2030 World Cup, its tourism minister said.

The North African country ‌is riding a wave of publicity from its quarter-final run in the latest World Cup after becoming the first African and Arab side to reach the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago.

Officials ​want to leverage the renewed attention into lasting gains for the country’s ​tourism industry, which employs hundreds of thousands of Moroccans and contributes about 7% ⁠of gross domestic product.

“We see the 2030 FIFA World Cup as an accelerator, ​not an end in itself,” Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor told Reuters.

The government is investing ​more than 190 billion dirhams (about $20 billion) to build and expand rail, road, airports, stadiums and other urban infrastructure ahead of the 2030 tournament, where Morocco is one of three main co-hosts with Portugal ​and Spain.

The number of matches each of them will host has yet to ​be decided.

PLANS FOR RABAT

Morocco has already added 45,000 hotel beds over the past four years, bringing ‌the ⁠current total to a little over 300,000, official data shows.

The North African country welcomed nearly 20 million tourists last year, making it the most visited destination in Africa. It aims to attract 26 million visitors by 2030.

Morocco’s central bank expects tourism revenue ​to reach a record ​161 billion dirhams ⁠in 2027, from 138 billion dirhams in 2025.

More air routes from Europe have also boosted the sector.

The “next phase of growth” will ​focus on increasing arrivals from China, the United States and ​the Middle ⁠East through improved air connectivity, Ammor said.

The country is also seeking to diversify tourism beyond traditional destinations such as Marrakech and Agadir.

This includes making the capital Rabat – with its ⁠centuries-old monuments, ​museums and sports facilities – a hub for cultural ​events, sports events and business travel, Ammor said.

“We need to make investments that create lasting value for Moroccan ​tourism,” she said.

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-Reuters

Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final did far more than add another trophy to La Roja’s cabinet. It created one of the most remarkable milestones in football history.

With the match deadlocked after 90 minutes at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero, striking in the 106th minute to settle a tense contest and crown the Europeans world champions.

The triumph etched Spain into the record books as the first country ever to simultaneously hold both the FIFA Men’s World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup titles.

Spain’s women had lifted the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, defeating England 1-0 in the final. Three years later, the men’s team followed suit by overcoming reigning Copa América champions Argentina to complete an unprecedented global double.

The achievement underlines Spain’s remarkable football renaissance across both the men’s and women’s games, showcasing the depth of the country’s talent development and football philosophy.

No nation—not even traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Germany, Italy, France or Argentina—had previously managed to reign over both the men’s and women’s world championships at the same time.

The victory also completed an extraordinary sequence for Spain. Having entered the tournament as reigning UEFA European champions, La Roja added the FIFA World Cup to their collection, reinforcing their status as the world’s leading football nation in 2026.

BET9JA FACT FILE

• Champions: Spain
• Final Score: Spain 1-0 Argentina (after extra time)
• Winning Goal: Ferran Torres (106′)
• Historic First: Spain became the first nation to hold both the FIFA Men’s and FIFA Women’s World Cup titles simultaneously.
• Women’s World Champions: Spain (2023)
• Men’s World Champions: Spain (2026)
• Another Milestone: Spain also became reigning UEFA European champions and FIFA World Cup winners at the same time, completing a historic era of dominance.

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By Kunle Solaja, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was among the galaxy of celebrities who graced the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, making his allegiance clear by turning up in Argentina’s famous sky-blue and white jersey.

The boxing icon, whose presence drew attention throughout the stadium’s hospitality section, appeared to be firmly behind Lionel Messi and the defending champions as they sought to retain the World Cup title.

Tyson was later spotted leaving the West Hospitality Suite after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina. Flanked by a team of bodyguards, the former undisputed heavyweight champion moved swiftly through the stadium corridors, with security ensuring that admirers were kept at a distance.

Fans hoping for an autograph or a handshake were politely held back as Tyson made his way towards the exit.

Yet, in a touching moment that contrasted with the tight security surrounding him, the 60-year-old boxing legend suddenly paused after noticing a young boy among the crowd.

Tyson beckoned the excited youngster over, exchanged a few words with him and happily posed for a selfie, leaving the child with what will undoubtedly become one of the most treasured memories of the World Cup final.

The brief but heartwarming gesture drew smiles from onlookers, offering a glimpse of the softer side of one of boxing’s most feared champions.

Although Argentina fell short against Spain, Tyson’s choice of attire left little doubt about where his loyalties lay on one of football’s biggest occasions.

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