There is a possibility that Spain and Portugal may decline the right to host the 2030 World Cup. However, Morocco's position on this issue may differ.
There is a possibility that Spain and Portugal may decline the right to host the 2030 World Cup. However, Morocco's position on this issue may differ.
Spain and Portugal are prepared to give up hosting the tournament if they transfer part of the rights to private investors. It should be noted that the 2030 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Furthermore, the opening matches of the tournament are planned to take place in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
According to sources, Spain and Portugal support UEFA's position. It was previously announced that if FIFA competition rights are sold to private investors, the organization is ready to boycott tournaments held under its auspices.
Nevertheless, Morocco's stance in this situation may be different. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) demonstrates a more cautious and less assertive approach to FIFA initiatives.
It is indicated that the divergence of opinions between Morocco, Spain, and Portugal could negatively affect cooperation within the framework of the 2030 World Cup project.
The Norwegian Football Federation intends to file an official complaint with the FIFA Ethics Committee. The reason for this is Donald Trump's interference in the situation concerning Folarin Balogun, which led to the lifting of his suspension.
In an interview with the English newspaper The Times, the federation head stated that such a situation should never have happened. She emphasized that everyone knows that 'the verdict [Balogun's permission to play] was influenced by external forces,' and that this occurred outside established regulations.
The NFF president added that they require the FIFA president to acknowledge this mistake. She is the only person who has officially protested the 'Peace Prize' awarded in December by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to the US President.
Lise Kleveland specifically noted the seriousness of the issue and expressed hope that this measure would encourage people to 'report without fear' about such cases. She also mentioned feeling disappointed but not surprised by FIFA's lack of transparency.
'Trying to sweep this under the rug now will not yield results. Many people—coaches, players, fans—have felt that it affected football,' she commented. The North American forward Folarin Balogun was sent off in the 16th round match against Bosnia (2-0). However, after Donald Trump's intervention, who contacted Gianni Infantino, he received a deferred punishment and was able to play in the eighth round against Belgium.
Despite the player's participation, this did not prevent the United States from being eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, as they lost to Belgium 4-1.
