Morocco’s plans to build the world’s largest football stadium, as part of its preparations to co‑host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, have sparked major protests across the country. Young people, in particular, accuse the government of getting its priorities wrong while many citizens struggle with hardship.
The proposed stadium would hold 115,000 spectators and is part of a $5 billion infrastructure project intended to highlight Morocco’s sporting ambitions. But for thousands of demonstrators who have taken to the streets since last weekend, the project symbolises government extravagance when basic public services are in need of urgent attention.
Morocco is also due to host the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
“One of the reasons I protest is because I want my country to be better. I don’t want to leave Morocco, but I don’t want to resent it for staying,” said Hajar Belhassan, a 25‑year‑old communications manager from Settat, about 80 km south of Casablanca, in an interview with BBC.
Belhassan is among many Moroccans — mostly under 30 — rallying under the banner of Gen Z 212, a youth movement organised through platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Discord.
The protests began on 27 September across ten cities. Demonstrators are chanting slogans such as “No World Cup, health comes first” and “We want hospitals, not stadiums.”
The immediate trigger for anger was the death of eight women in a maternity ward in Agadir last month. Activists argue that this tragedy could have been prevented had there been better medical staff and equipment.
Morocco currently has about 7.8 doctors per 10,000 people, well under the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of 23 per 10,000.
“We are making basic and reasonable demands. Health and education are necessities that should already be priorities,” Belhassan said. “It breaks my heart to see young, educated, peaceful people being arrested arbitrarily.”
Police Reaction and Casualties
The authorities have responded with both dialogue and force. The interior ministry spokesman, Rachid El Khalfi, confirmed that 409 people have been detained so far. Clashes have left 260 police officers and 20 protesters injured.
In the town of Lqliaa, three protesters were killed on 1 October after an attempted assault on a police station turned violent. Officials say security forces opened fire after protesters tried to set the building on fire and seize weapons.