Portugal Stands Firm in Support of Co-Hosting World Cup with Morocco, Spain

Rabat – Portugal has joined Spain in reaffirming its commitment to co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Madrid and Morocco amid criticism targeting Rabat due to the Ceuta mass crossings.

Portuguese public service broadcasting organization RTP quoted Minister of Youth and Sports Margarida Balseiro Lopes, who backed the joint co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup, stating the three countries are set to stage the best World Cup ever.

She said Portugal is committed to organizing the tournament alongside Spain and Morocco, rejecting maneuvers by the Portuguese political party Livre.

The left-wing party called earlier this week for Morocco to be removed from the joint hosting of the tournament following the mass Ceuta crossings.

In an open letter, the party accused Morocco of exploiting vulnerable migrants during the mass crossings, alleging Rabat’s participation in the tournament had become “unsustainable.”

Ceuta witnessed a surge in mass crossings, especially on July 30, when tens of thousands of migrants crossed or attempted to reach the enclave.

The situation sparked frustration and intensified anti-Morocco sentiment, not only in Portugal but also in Spain, where far-right political party Vox seized on the moment to advance its anti-Morocco agenda. 

Vox also demanded Morocco be excluded from the tournament, which Spain rejected.

Minister for Digital Transition Oscar Lopez said the Spanish government remains committed to organizing and hosting together with Morocco and Portugal.

Maneuvers targeting Rabat come as many have emphasized how Spain and Portugal only won the hosting rights because of Morocco’s involvement.

“Without Morocco, it would have been impossible for Spain to host the World Cup,” former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales said in July.

The maneuvers against Morocco also come amid concerns and frustration, as reports have been suggesting the North African country could host the World Cup final, which Madrid is actively rallying for.

One report, however, alleges Spain is closer to hosting the final, while Morocco could host the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.