Criticism of the 2030 World Cup over a migrant crisis in Ceuta
EL RIGOR · 9 de agosto de 2026, 19:41 · 2 min read
Cross-checked in sources from Vozpópuli, elDiario.es
The recent migrant crisis in Ceuta has sparked criticism of the organisation of the 2030 World Cup, which includes Morocco as one of the host nations. According to IULV-CA deputy Nahuel González, "We cannot constantly look away. We must tell FIFA that we are a reference in football and sports, and that, given everything that is happening, Morocco should not be hosting the World Cup and its final."
The migrant crisis in Ceuta claimed the lives of at least 141 young people attempting to cross the border into Spain. This incident has served as a catalyst for various political groups in Spain and Portugal to express their discontent with Morocco's inclusion in the organisation of the upcoming World Cup.
IULV-CA deputy Nahuel González has presented a non-binding motion in Congress calling for an investigation into Morocco’s participation in the organisation of the 2030 World Cup. González argues that Spain must be a leader in the defence of human rights and therefore cannot collaborate with a country that does not respect these rights.
Podemos’ secretary of Organisation and spokesperson Pablo Fernández has expressed support for the position of IULV-CA, stating that "Spain should not organise the World Cup alongside a dictatorship like Morocco, which does not respect human rights and is responsible for the deaths of over 140 people in an operation against Spain." Fernández suggests that Spain should organise the World Cup solely with Portugal.
From Portugal, the left-wing party Livre has sent a letter to Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa and the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Fernando Gomes, urging them to reconsider Portugal's participation in the co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup. The letter argues that recent events in Ceuta reinforce the need to reject Portugal's involvement in the World Cup alongside Morocco.
Livre’s letter also highlights that Morocco is a country that questions the European project and the territorial integrity of Spain. This argument is based on the belief that including Morocco in the organisation of the World Cup could have negative implications for relations between Spain and Morocco.
The migrant crisis in Ceuta has served as a starting point for various political groups in Spain and Portugal to express their concern about Morocco's inclusion in the organisation of the 2030 World Cup. The current situation has led to questions being raised about the ethics and responsibility of host countries in organising major sporting events.
The next stage will be the consideration of these proposals by relevant institutions in both Spain and Portugal. The final decision on Morocco's participation in the organisation of the 2030 World Cup remains to be defined, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how this debate will progress.
Piece prepared by the newsroom from cross-checked sources in several countries.