FIFA is preparing to send an inspection delegation to Morocco in November and December 2026 to assess the country’s progress towards hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
The visits will focus on six Moroccan cities proposed as tournament hosts: Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir and Fez. FIFA officials will examine stadium projects, transport facilities, accommodation arrangements and other infrastructure required to stage one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
The inspection programme represents an important stage in the selection of venues for the 2030 competition, as the three co-hosting countries work towards meeting FIFA’s organisational and technical requirements.
Six Moroccan Cities Included in FIFA Inspection Programme
Morocco’s six proposed host cities will be assessed as part of FIFA’s wider inspection exercise covering 15 candidate cities across the three countries.
In addition to the Moroccan locations, the delegation plans to visit Barcelona, Bilbao, Las Palmas, Madrid, San Sebastián, Seville and Zaragoza in Spain, as well as Lisbon and Porto in Portugal.
The visits will allow FIFA representatives to review the condition of proposed stadiums and examine whether the supporting facilities can accommodate teams, officials, supporters and international visitors.
The inspection team will also hold discussions with national and local authorities, stadium operators, transport agencies, accommodation providers and other organisations involved in World Cup preparations.
FIFA to Assess Stadiums and Supporting Infrastructure
The evaluation will extend beyond football stadiums, with FIFA expected to examine the wider arrangements necessary for hosting matches and welcoming large numbers of visitors.
Key areas of attention include:
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Stadium construction, renovation and operational readiness.
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Road networks and public transport connections.
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Hotels and accommodation capacity.
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Movement arrangements for teams, officials and supporters.
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Operational planning and coordination among public authorities.
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Compliance with FIFA’s hosting standards.
The inspections are intended to help FIFA compare the proposals submitted by the candidate cities with the progress being made on the ground.
The organisation has also indicated that further locations could be added to the programme if necessary.
Grand Stade Hassan II Remains Central to Morocco’s World Cup Ambitions
One of Morocco’s major infrastructure projects is the Grand Stade Hassan II, being developed in Benslimane, near Casablanca.
Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa recently said the stadium is expected to be ready in early 2028.
The proposed venue has attracted international attention because of its planned capacity, modern design and potential role in hosting major matches during the 2030 tournament.
Morocco is also competing with Spain to host the World Cup final. Spanish media reports have suggested that Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is being considered for the showpiece match.
However, FIFA has not announced which stadium will host the final, and the competition remains open.
Morocco, Spain and Portugal Prepare for Historic Tournament
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, making it the first edition of the competition to be organised across three countries on two continents.
The tournament will also mark 100 years since the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930.
To commemorate the anniversary, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay are scheduled to host the opening three matches before the competition continues in the three main host countries.
For Morocco, the tournament represents a major opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure, tourism industry and transport network to an international audience.
The country has been investing in stadium development and other infrastructure as it prepares for the competition.
FIFA Has Not Yet Confirmed the Final Host Cities
Although FIFA has identified the candidate cities for inspection, the final list of host cities and stadiums has not been confirmed.
The governing body explained that the inspection findings will contribute to its eventual selection of venues. It will also determine how many matches each stadium will host and the category of fixtures assigned to each location after the host-city decisions and scheduling process progress.
This means Morocco’s six cities remain candidates at this stage rather than officially confirmed venues for specific matches.
The upcoming visits will therefore be an important opportunity for the country to demonstrate the progress of its preparations and address any outstanding requirements before FIFA makes its final decisions.
