FIFA is set to carry out a series of visits to potential World Cup 2030 venues across Spain, Morocco, and Portugal in November and December. The purpose of these visits is to meet with municipal, regional, and national representatives from the three countries and inspect candidate stadiums and supporting infrastructure.
A FIFA delegation, which will include representatives from key functional areas, is scheduled to visit the following Spanish candidate host cities: Barcelona, Bilbao, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Madrid, San Sebastián, Sevilla, and Zaragoza. There is a possibility that additional cities may be visited during this selection process.
According to a statement from the global football governing body, these visits are a crucial phase in the venue selection process. They will allow FIFA to assess the readiness and operational plans for the tournament, as well as the proposed infrastructure at each candidate venue.
During the visits, the FIFA delegation will meet with representatives from municipal, regional, and national authorities, stadium managers, transport and mobility stakeholders, accommodation providers, and other key partners. The delegation will also visit Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Lisbon, Marrakech, Oporto, Rabat, and Tangier in Morocco, as well as other cities in Portugal.
“The visits to potential host cities are designed to help evaluate each candidate city and stadium based on FIFA's organisational requirements. This process will assist FIFA in making its final decisions regarding the selection of the World Cup 2030 venues,” the statement read.
Furthermore, it was noted that the number and type of matches to be held at each venue will be determined “once the host cities are confirmed.” “FIFA continues to work closely with all stakeholders in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain to advance preparations for the tournament,” the press release concluded.
