The International Football Association (FIFA) Executive Committee just overwhelmingly approved the Morocco-Spain-Portugal joint bid as the sole candidate for the organization of the 2030 World Cup, the royal office contentedly announced on Wednesday afternoon.
The statement extended King Mohammed VI’s congratulations to the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Portugal on this historic occasion, while also confirming Morocco’s determination to work in total harmony with the authorities in charge of implementation for each host country.
By making this choice, the FIFA has recognized Morocco as a favored team among a large playing field.
In a special centenary commemoration of the first FIFA World Cup in 1930 held in Montevideo, Uruguay, the FIFA Council unanimously agreed to add three World Cup matches to be held in South America (Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay) as a tribute to the tournament’s origins, FIFA added in a press release.
The celebration will take place in these three South American countries–Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay–who will be awarded one match each. Perhaps the highlight will take place in Montevideo’s mythical Estádio Centenário, in an attempt to recreate the magic of the first World Cup held one hundred years prior.
FIFA Head Gianni Infantino emphasized the significance of this decision, stating, “In a divided world, FIFA and football are uniting.” In praising the chosen bid, the president stated, “Two continents–Africa and Europe–united not only in a celebration of football but also in providing unique social and cultural cohesion. What a great message of peace, tolerance and inclusion.”
“In 2030, we will have a unique global footprint, three continents (Africa, Europe and South America) — and six countries (Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay) welcoming and uniting the world while celebrating together the beautiful game, the centenary and the FIFA World Cup,” he added.
The Tripartite Commission, comprising Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, held its inaugural meeting in Las Rosas, Spain, to discuss hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup on Sep. 18, and the next meeting was scheduled to take place on Oct. 4.
The Monarch had announced his decision to submit a joint bid with Spain and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup in March, aiming to unite Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean—along with the African, Arab, and Euro-Mediterranean worlds–through a historic football bid that will combine talent, creativity, experience, and resources.
Lekjaa Fouzi, Minister Delegate for the Budget and President of Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was assigned by the King in July as the chairperson of the joint bid committee.
Last Wednesday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the Kingdom of Morocco, the sole remaining candidate, will be the official host country for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).