Morocco’s ambitious plans to build the world’s largest football stadium as part of its preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup have sparked nationwide protests, with young citizens accusing the government of misplaced priorities amid deep social and economic struggles.

The 115,000-capacity stadium, part of a $5 billion infrastructure project, is being developed to showcase Morocco’s global sporting ambitions. But for thousands of protesters flooding the streets since last weekend, the megaproject symbolises government excess at the expense of basic public needs.

The North African side will also host the 35th edition of the biennial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for Sunday, 21st December 2025 to Sunday, 18th January 2026.

“I am protesting because I want my country to be better. I don’t want to leave Morocco, and I don’t want to resent my country for choosing to stay,” said Hajar Belhassan, a 25-year-old communications manager from Settat, about 80km south of Casablanca, via BBC.

Ms. Belhassan is among the growing number of Moroccans, mostly under 30, rallying under the banner of Gen Z 212, a loosely organised youth movement mobilised through Discord, TikTok, and Instagram.

Their rallies began on 27 September across ten cities, echoing chants such as “No World Cup, health comes first” and “We want hospitals, not stadiums.”

The demonstrations were ignited by the deaths of eight women in a maternity ward in Agadir last month, an incident that activists say could have been avoided with proper medical staffing and equipment.

Morocco currently has 7.8 doctors per 10,000 citizens, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended 23 per 10,000.

“We are making reasonable, basic demands. Health and education are necessities that should already be prioritised,” Ms. Belhassan said. “It breaks my heart to see young, educated and peaceful people faced with arbitrary arrests.”

Authorities have responded with a mix of dialogue and repression. Interior ministry spokesman Rachid El Khalfi confirmed that 409 people have been detained so far, while 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 storming of a police station turned violent. Officials said security forces opened fire after protesters tried to set the building ablaze and steal weapons.