FIFA to Inspect 15 Candidate Cities for 2030 World Cup

FIFA will inspect candidate host cities and stadiums in person as it moves closer to deciding which cities will stage matches at the 2030 World Cup. According to the organization's statement on Tuesday, the delegation will visit proposed venues in Spain, Portugal and Morocco in November and December.

The first programme covers six cities in Morocco, two in Portugal and seven in Spain. In Morocco, the visits include Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat and Tangier. In Portugal, Lisbon and Porto are on the list, while in Spain the cities are Barcelona, Bilbao, Las Palmas, Madrid, San Sebastian, Seville and Zaragoza. FIFA said additional facilities may also be examined before the final list is drawn up.

Where the tournament's final will be played remains uncertain. Spain and Morocco are competing to host the final, one of the most prestigious matches in world football. Stadiums under consideration include Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona's Camp Nou and the planned Hassan II Grand Stadium near Casablanca. FIFA has not yet indicated a preference for the stadium that will host the final.

The purpose of the inspections is to determine whether the proposed venues and surrounding infrastructure can meet the requirements of a World Cup. FIFA representatives are expected to meet relevant officials and local stakeholders during the assessment process. The allocation of matches to cities and stadiums will be announced after the list of host cities is finalised.

The tournament marks the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930. To commemorate it, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will host the first three matches. The tournament will then move to the main hosts, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The centenary edition brings together six countries across South America, Europe and Africa.