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Weekly highlights

World Cup 2030

The verdict is getting clearer

W HICH trio will win?
December 11 will be
decisive in determining
the host countries for the 2030 World
Cup. On Sunday December 1, after a
series of evaluations and on-site ins-
pection visits, FIFA published reports
detailing the strengths and weaknesses
of the various bids, and the joint bid
by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal has
every chance of success. These docu-
ments will be submitted for approval
to the Extraordinary FIFA Congress,
to be held by videoconference on De-
cember 11.

n The mega-attribute of
geopolitical stability
Morocco, Spain, and Portugal
share a long tradition of collaboration,
and geopolitical tensions, while they
have existed, have been effectively
managed through diplomatic mecha-
nisms and a common desire to ensure
the success of this World Cup. In com-
parison, although Argentina, Uruguay,
and Paraguay have also shown a wil- The joint Spain-Morocco-Portugal 2030 bid received an average rating of 4.2/5 in FIFA’s technical evaluation, testifying to the solidity
lingness to cooperate, the complex of its organization project. Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay’s bid to celebrate the centenary of the World Cup received an average
historical relationships between these rating of 3.6/5
countries can pose challenges in the n Bedding capacity de Campo in Madrid. Both sites meet
implementation of the World Cup. beyond expectations the necessary requirements and have
Diplomatic tensions between certain formally confirmed their commit- n KHealth, medicine and
players could make the organization The proposed accommodation in ment to hosting the center by signing anti-doping: a solid system
of the event more difficult. the 17 host cities largely meets FIFA’s a service provision contract. Medical infrastructure is dee-
minimum requirements in terms of med adequate to meet the needs of
n Lowest budget quantity and quality. However, addi- n Ultra-security, a tried- the World Cup, with solid health
The Spain, Morocco, and Portu- tional hotels will be needed to accom- and-tested mechanism systems and sufficient accommo-
gal bid is proposing a lower budget modate the general public during po- The three countries have a solid dation capacity. No major health
than the FIFA standard, thanks to pular matches. A further assessment legislative framework for security threats have been identified, and
of the new hotel constructions
savings on items such as security and and the fight against terrorism, with the fight against doping will com-
will be required to ensure that they
technical services. Expected reve- comply with FIFA standards. cross-border cooperation mecha- ply with the requirements of the
nues, notably from media rights and nisms already in place. Additional World Anti-Doping Agency, gua-
-International broadcasting, a faci-
ticket sales, should exceed forecasts lity up to standard measures will be put in place to ranteeing a healthy environment
by 20% compared with previous edi- guarantee security during the com- for competitors.
Two sites have been proposed to
tions. The bid benefits from favorable host the International Broadcast Cen- petition, notably through enhanced
conditions, including advantageous information exchange between police n Stadiums: the great
time zones and strong local demand. ter (IBC): the Casablanca Internatio- challenge of flexibility
nal Fair and the Recinto Ferial Casa authorities o Radia LAHLOU The 20 proposed stadiums

n The High Speed Line’s spread across Morocco, Portugal,
winning edge Infrastructure to measure up to the event and Spain offer considerable flexi-
The bid offers a robust transport THE infrastructure proposed by among the most renowned on the bility, exceeding FIFA’s minimum
requirements. Some stadiums need
infrastructure, with international air- the Morocco-Spain-Portugal bid are continent. Morocco, for its part, has to be built or renovated, but the pro-
ports in key cities such as Barcelona, among the most modern and diver- invested in massive renovations, jects are well advanced and the de-
Casablanca, and Lisbon. Efficient sified, offering an exceptional expe- with stadiums such as the Moham- tailed plans reduce the risks. These
intercity connections, notably via rience for both teams and spectators. med V sports complex in Casablan- modern, iconic stadiums, inclu-
high-speed trains, will facilitate travel Spain and Portugal boast ultra-mo- ca and the Prince Moulay Abdellah ding sites undergoing renovation,
during the competition. Public trans- dern stadiums such as the Santiago stadium in Rabat, guaranteeing an will guarantee a top-quality World
port systems in the major host cities Bernabéu in Madrid, the Camp Nou unparalleled experience for players
will ensure fluid mobility between in Barcelona, as well as the Lis- and spectators alike.o Cup.o
the various venues. bon and Porto stadiums, which are
Friday 6 December 2024