Morocco’s billion-dollar preparations for the 2030 World Cup have ignited a wave of youth-led protests, leaving hundreds injured and over 400 arrested.
On Tuesday, demonstrations erupted across 17 cities as young Moroccans marched against government spending on stadiums and mega-projects while schools and hospitals remain in crisis.
Chants of “Health care first, we don’t want the World Cup” echoed through the streets, reflecting a growing anger at what protesters call misplaced priorities.
Clashes turned violent, with Morocco’s interior ministry reporting 263 security officers and 23 civilians hurt. Officials labelled the movement a “dangerous escalation” and promised tough action against offenders.
The unrest mirrors a global trend of youth-driven uprisings. In recent months, mass protests forced Nepal’s prime minister to resign, Madagascar’s president to dissolve his cabinet, and Kenya’s leader to shrink his government.
For Morocco long seen as a rare bastion of stability in North Africa, the protests expose mounting frustration among young people who say they are being sidelined in favour of a sporting spectacle still five years away.
