Real Madrid and Germany defender Antonio Rüdiger has praised Morocco’s remarkable rise in international football, describing the country’s achievements as a source of pride for the African continent and expressing confidence in its preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in Washington, D.C., the Germany international highlighted Morocco’s progress over the past two decades, pointing to both the national team’s success and the country’s growing reputation as a host of major football tournaments.
Morocco’s rise earns international recognition
Rüdiger praised Morocco’s football development, saying the country’s achievements have elevated its standing on the global stage.
“I think Morocco has done a great job over the last ten or twenty years. It was the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. That’s really something we’re proud of,” Rüdiger told MAP.
The defender, who also serves as president of the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation, which promotes education and sport in Sierra Leone, said Morocco’s success represents a significant milestone for African football.
Backing Morocco’s World Cup preparations
Rüdiger also expressed confidence in Morocco’s readiness to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
He pointed to the successful organisation of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as evidence of the country’s growing capability to stage major international events.
“I therefore think that the world will enjoy this great World Cup,” he said, adding that the tournament would also “build bridges between Africa and Europe.”
Comments made in Washington
The remarks were made during a conference organised by the Atlantic Council under the theme Passing the Torch: Building the Legacy of the World Cup.
The event brought together representatives from the three 2030 World Cup co-hosts—Morocco, Spain and Portugal—to discuss preparations and the tournament’s long-term legacy.
Rüdiger used the occasion to reiterate his admiration for Morocco’s sporting development, praising both the achievements of the Atlas Lions and the country’s continued investment in football infrastructure.
The Real Madrid defender’s comments add to growing international recognition of Morocco’s emergence as one of football’s leading nations and reinforce confidence in its ability to help deliver a successful 2030 FIFA World Cup.
