The official announcement of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain‘s joint candidacy to host the FIFA World Cup in 2030 has been made. During a conference in Rabat, the presidents of the three national football associations signed a letter.

The participating nations have committed to showcasing the diversity of football, promoting international cooperation, and creating a lasting social impact in all three countries as well as globally. They have also promised that the tournament will help the football ecosystem and be run as a small, approachable, and fan-focused event.

With the FIFA Council having approved Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as the only bidders for the 2030 competition, it will be the first FIFA World Cup to be held on more than one continent.

The FIFA Congress must still accept Spain, Portugal, and Morocco’s hosting of the tournament, and it is also contingent upon a successful bidding process—both of which are anticipated to be formalities.

In addition, throughout the competition, special celebration matches are scheduled to occur in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to commemorate the one hundred years since Uruguay hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 1930.

The Presidents of the three national football associations also gave their remarks on the symbolic occasion.

President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa said, “It is a World Cup that will help us further unite our common civilisations established more than ten centuries ago. The three countries share a common history, a common present, and are looking forward towards a common future.”

President of the Portuguese Football Federation, Fernando Gomes said, “This is a historic moment because it officially begins our process with FIFA to be able to organise the FIFA World Cup in 2030. This is a great occasion for us, and highly symbolic given it will be the centenary of the first ever edition of the tournament. But 2030 will be much more than the celebration of the past”.

Pedro Rocha, President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation also remarked, “This candidacy is a message of hope and unity because this World Cup will be a demonstration of uniting cultures, and the promotion of inclusion, diversity, and respect. It will be a World Cup with a significant social legacy that will remain in Morocco, Portugal, Spain – and around the world.”

The Presidents however, stated that it is too early to make a decision regarding the stadiums that will be utilized as part of the proposal. By the end of next month, the three federations are required to submit bidding agreements in accordance with FIFA’s bidding process for the event.