Morocco Emerges as Crucial Partner in Spain-Portugal 2030 World Cup Bid

First of all, this candidacy on two continents is largely favored by the expansion of the competition from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2026 and, consequently, by a growing need for infrastructure. This configuration also benefits the joint candidacy of these three countries, which already have stadiums meeting FIFA standards and a well-developed tourist infrastructure.

Facing them are two other candidacies: the first is carried by four South American countries (Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay) while the second is supported by Saudi Arabia, Greece and Egypt. However, according to the experts of the newspaper, these proposals are less convincing due to their geographical remoteness and a lack of appropriate infrastructure.

Morocco, in particular, has already tried five times to host the World Cup, without success. Nevertheless, its support for the Iberian candidacy has intensified in recent months, after Ukraine, which had considered joining the candidacy, suffered the invasion of its territory by the Russian army.

Despite the failure of the Moroccan candidacy for the 2026 edition, the country wanted to apply again, but this time by associating with Spain and Portugal. This decision was approved by Jean-Baptiste Guégan, consultant and author of the geopolitics of sport in Le Monde, who believes that joint bids will be the norm for organizing a World Cup.

The joint candidacy is also supported by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) which has signed agreements with 45 African federations, thus strengthening Morocco’s weight in Africa and the official support of CAF. This should allow the Ibero-Moroccan candidacy to receive between 105 and 106 votes in Europe and Africa, enough to make the trio the favorite against the South American candidacy.

The proposal will be officially presented to FIFA in June, but the Spanish, Portuguese and Moroccan federations will hold several working meetings in Madrid in the coming days. According to Le Monde, Spain could host the matches of six groups in the first round, against three for Portugal and Morocco. The Kingdom is pushing to host the opening match or the final.