Saudi Arabia Withdraws 2030 World Cup Bid, Boosting Morocco-Spain-Portugal Chances

Faisal bin Farhan Al Saoud, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, created a surprise by announcing his country’s withdrawal from the race to host the 2030 World Cup. After a thorough analysis of the current context and the various competing projects, Saudi Arabia recognized the excellence of the joint project of Spain, Portugal and Morocco, led by the Spanish and Portuguese federations, considering it unbeatable. This gesture, if it raises questions about its timing, strengthens the candidacy of the three countries concerned.

Saudi Arabia ultimately felt that competing with the Spain-Portugal-Morocco trio would be a difficult task, given the scale of the work already done by these countries and the advantage they have acquired.

However, Spain, Portugal and Morocco are not out of the woods yet, as another candidacy remains in the running: that of South America represented by Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay. Despite this rivalry, the Ibero-Moroccan alliance seems to be taking the lead, according to observers. The final decision will be known in September 2024.