The first nomination involved Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Then the African nation briefly dropped out of consideration. Ukraine was later included following Russia’s invasion. Now Morocco is back in the mix, and Ukraine is likely to be dropped from the candidacy. This development comes with the knowledge and approval of the Government of Pedro Sánchez, and the country is positioned to host the 2030 World Cup alongside its southern neighbor.
Chakib Benmussa, the Minister of Education and Sports for Morocco, confirmed this Tuesday that Morocco joins the Spain-Portugal bid. Ukraine, previously announced as the third pillar of the project in October 2022, is no longer a fixed mandatory element.
Mohamed VI confirms Morocco joins Spain and Portugal’s candidacy for the 2030 World Cup
Sources close to negotiations told EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA that talks are advanced and that Morocco will be the third country in the bid, though some details remain to be finalized. An official announcement could come soon, possibly this Wednesday, depending on negotiations in Rwanda, where delegations from the three federations are gathering for the FIFA convention. The final agreement is expected there.
Although the initiative originated with the federations, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) emphasizes that both federations acted in concert with their governments. The Government of Pedro Sánchez has been aware of negotiations with Moroccan football authorities and approves Morocco’s inclusion in the bid.
Some observers note that if large numbers of migrants were being sent to the border, the government would not have supported it. Yet the bilateral relationship between the two rulers since 2021 is seen as a factor that has facilitated the Morocco engagement in the bid. Morocco’s participation remains on the table.
And Ukraine?
Is Morocco replacing Ukraine? Not necessarily. RFEF sources stress that Ukraine is not ruled out, but its future in the bid is uncertain due to political factors within Ukraine and ongoing judicial challenges. Regardless of the conflict, the plan includes maintaining one or two offices in Ukraine as part of the broader process.
The presence of Morocco in this candidacy is not new. On November 19, 2018, Pedro Sánchez publicly offered Morocco the chance to join a project with Portugal to host the World Cup while the alliance was still forming, though at that time the idea waned amid diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco. The Iberian candidacy with government and UEFA backing became official in October 2020.
UEFA support
The decision by the UK and Ireland to abandon separate bids and to host the 2028 Euro strengthened the Iberian candidacy, as UEFA united European football behind a single bid against other potential nominations.
The biggest challenge at present comes from South America’s World Cup path through Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, the site of the tournament’s 100th edition in 2030. While Morocco is favored by some within the RFEF environment, no vote should be underestimated. Morocco’s inclusion could shift support, particularly among African confederation members from the Maghreb region.
Additionally, insiders mention that Morocco’s active entry might address concerns about a joint candidacy involving Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Gossip circulates about Greece potentially joining as a third pillar, but there is no official record yet.
Sources reiterate that the overall strategy includes leveraging diplomatic ties and regional support to maximize votes in the run-up to the 2030 decision.