FIFA to inspect 2030 World Cup host city candidates this fall

FIFA announced on Tuesday that it will undertake a comprehensive inspection programme of candidate cities bidding to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The visits, scheduled for November and December, will focus on three countries currently in contention: Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

The venue assessment visits form a key component of FIFA's host selection methodology, allowing officials to evaluate infrastructure, stadium facilities, accommodation, transportation networks and other logistical requirements necessary to stage a World Cup. The inspections provide FIFA's evaluation committee with firsthand knowledge of each candidate city's readiness and capacity to host matches.

The 2030 World Cup host nation is expected to be confirmed following FIFA's evaluation of all candidate bids and inspection reports. The selection process typically culminates in a vote by FIFA's governing council, though the exact timeline for the final decision has not yet been disclosed.

Both Spain and Portugal previously collaborated on a joint bid for the 2030 tournament, while Morocco has independently pursued hosting rights. The North African kingdom previously bid unsuccessfully to host the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.