The Morocco-Portugal-Spain joint bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup received an evaluation score of 4.2 out of 5, meeting FIFA's technical hosting requirements. The bid highlights include 20 stadiums across the three countries, strong infrastructure, and a robust security plan. FIFA conducted an evaluation of the Morocco-Portugal-Spain bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup to determine its suitability, and the bid received an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 points. FIFA management confirmed yesterday that the joint bid is eligible for consideration by the FIFA Council and the FIFA Congress, as it exceeded the minimum hosting requirements in the technical evaluations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. FIFA explained that the joint bid offers an exciting and diverse range of options, including a total of 20 stadiums: six in Morocco, three in Portugal, and 11 in Spain. This number exceeds the minimum required (14 stadiums) to host the World Cup, «allowing for ample flexibility in selecting a diverse and truly memorable range of stadiums across the three countries». Regarding the Moroccan stadiums, five of them will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and all are undergoing construction or renovation to meet most or all of FIFA's requirements. One of the most prominent proposed projects is the «Hassan II Stadium» in Casablanca, which is expected to be the largest football stadium in the world. FIFA clarified that despite the scale of major renovation projects and the limited nature of some spaces, especially in Portugal and Spain, «the early construction in many cases, as well as the quality and thoroughness of the plans developed and presented, the substantial commitment to these projects, the strong team in place to support their delivery, and the opportunity to test the stadium operations, already mitigate this risk substantially and provide a high degree of confidence». IBC, security and human rights In the hotel sector, FIFA stated in its evaluation that they meet good standards, and the file includes 94 basic hotels for teams, two basic hotels for referees, and 80 hotels specific to match venues. On the other hand, the evaluation noted that the training sites, numbering up to 150, are of very high standards. Regarding the International Broadcast Center (IBC), FIFA explained that the file proposes two options for hosting the International Broadcast Center: the first at the International Exhibition in Casablanca, and the second at the Recinto Ferial Casa de Campo in Madrid. After evaluating them, it was confirmed that they «meet most of the key requirements and have the potential to host the IBC successfully». FIFA explained that the accommodation and international broadcast plans in the file present a comprehensive and advanced vision that meets FIFA's requirements, with the need to follow up on some aspects to ensure optimal readiness before 2030. Among the strengths of the joint bid, the aspect of transportation, whether between or within cities, stands out, «supported by advanced public transport systems» and clear plans to address coordination challenges between the three countries. In terms of security, FIFA confirmed that the security file of the three countries is strong, and it is supported by previous experience in organizing and securing major sports events, with a plan to enhance regional and international cooperation to ensure the safety and security of the 2030 World Cup. As for the environment and human rights, FIFA said the file «articulates a strong and realistic commitment to sustainability and human rights». «The bid members confirm their support for the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework, and for the implementation of the ISO 20121 sustainability management system for events. The bid members make a clear commitment to stakeholder engagement», FIFA added. FIFA also conducted an evaluation of the bid submitted by Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to celebrate the centenary of the World Cup, which received an average rating of 3.6 out of 5. It also meets the minimum hosting requirements for each centenary celebratory match individually.
