Spain World Cup 2030 struggles as Morocco gains momentum

On the other side of the Mediterranean, anxiety is growing. Spain is bogged down in political disputes that jeopardize the future of its host cities. Subjected to pressure rejecting the arrival of the national team, candidacies like Bilbao and San Sebastián risk abandonment, reviving the specter of the Euro 2020 fiasco. This lack of commitment comes at a cost on the ground: Murcia, Gijón, A Coruña and Málaga have already been ruled out for failing to meet infrastructure requirements. Despite the creation of a government commission a year ago, inaction by public authorities is completely paralyzing the federation’s work.

Meanwhile, Morocco is deploying considerable energy to cement its influence. Under royal impetus, the country is building at a frantic pace and organizing regular visits to prove its operational capacity. This determination is paying off, with sports daily AS.com noting that FIFA fully recognizes Moroccan merits and has already confirmed the opening of a physical office in Rabat. The country is thus positioning itself strategically to recover a significant share of the allocations that will be distributed starting in September.

While the Santiago Bernabéu remains the stadium favored by Gianni Infantino to host the grand final, Spain’s rich football past will not be enough to mask these shortcomings. The world body demands immediate executive action and will forgive no delays. Without a swift turnaround from the government, regions and municipalities, the center of gravity of this World Cup will inexorably shift toward Morocco.