FIFA Endorses Spain-Portugal-Morocco Bid for 2030 World Cup

The joint bid for the 2030 World Cup by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco has been strongly supported by FIFA's evaluation report, which was released on Saturday. The report emphasized the three countries' ability to host a memorable and significant tournament.

FIFA said that if the bid is successful, the partnership will aim to “create an unforgettable World Cup that coincides with the tournament’s centenary, bringing long-term benefits to football and the global community.” The evaluation praised the bid’s aim to inspire and unite people, using the strong passion for football in the three countries to strengthen ties between continents and beyond – a vision that aligns with FIFA’s motto “Football Unites the World.”

The report praised the bid’s comprehensive and robust proposal, supported by high-quality sports and public infrastructure across 17 diverse host cities. It combines prime locations, advanced facilities and major modernization projects. The compact geographical layout and strong intercity transport connectivity were also cited as advantages.

Business-wise, the bid is anticipated to generate substantial profits, with strong forecasts for revenue from ticket sales, TV rights, and sponsorships. Additionally, the strong support from the governments of all three countries makes the bid more likely to succeed and have a lasting effect.

Before the final decision at FIFA's meeting on December 11, FIFA gave the Spain-Portugal-Morocco bid a score of 4.2 out of 5, which means it fully met the requirements.

Although they met the minimum requirements, the South American bids from Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay scored lower at 3.6, making the Iberian-Moroccan plan the overwhelming favorite to host the World Cup's centennial.