Royal Moroccan Football Federation Celebrates FIFA 2030 World Cup Co-Hosting Role

RABAT: Morocco, along with Portugal and Spain, has been officially appointed as a co-host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic collaboration between the three nations. The decision was made by the FIFA Congress during an extraordinary session held via videoconference, chaired by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Additionally, the centenary matches will be played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, while Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the host for the 2034 World Cup.According to Ghana News Agency, the appointment of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain as co-hosts was approved by FIFA's 211 member federations, who voted on the nomination procedure and the respective bids. Infantino emphasized the significance of this decision in fostering unity and inclusiveness, highlighting soccer's role in bridging global divides.Fouzi Lekjaa, the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, expressed gratitude towards FIFA's member federations for entrusting Morocco with the opportunity to co-host the 20 30 World Cup. In his address, he acknowledged the progress Morocco has made under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, and emphasized the impact of sports, particularly soccer, in driving socio-economic and human development.The tripartite bid, dubbed "Yalla Vamos 2030," is noted for being the first instance of the World Cup being organized simultaneously in Africa and Europe. An independent auditor, BDO, confirmed that the bidding procedures for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups were conducted with objectivity, integrity, and transparency.The Moroccan-Iberian bid, the sole candidate for 2030, received a score of 4.2 out of 5 in FIFA's evaluation report, which highlighted its overall quality and ability to meet organizational requirements. The bid proposes 20 stadium options across the three countries, surpassing the minimum requirement of 14 stadiums, and includes iconic venues like Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu, Barcelona's Camp Nou, and Casablanca's Grand Stade Hassan II for key matches.