Morocco, Spain, and Portugal sign judicial cooperation memorandum for 2030 World Cup

Morocco, Spain, and Portugal have signed a judicial cooperation memorandum in preparation for the 2030 World Cup. The document was signed by Félix Bolaños, Rita Júdice, and Abdellatif Ouahbi during the first trilateral meeting of the co-organizing countries. This agreement establishes a framework for enhanced coordination among the three nations for the major sporting event, which will be the first in history to take place across two continents. Spain will host the majority of matches with 11 stadiums, followed by Morocco with 6 stadiums, and Portugal with 3 stadiums. The memorandum, effective until December 31, 2030, builds upon bilateral declarations of intent signed between Morocco and Portugal in January 2025 in Lisbon, and between Morocco and Spain in March 2025 in Madrid. It can be revised or extended by mutual agreement. The agreement covers seven areas of cooperation, including judicial assistance, coordination between central authorities, promotion of digital justice, and strengthening the fight against crime and cybercrime. Minister Bolaños stated that this comprehensive cooperation framework aims to effectively address the challenges of organizing an event like the FIFA World Cup. He also emphasized that the memorandum strengthens trust between Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with Spain contributing its experience, strategic position, and role as a direct link between Morocco and the European Union. Beyond World Cup preparations, this agreement offers an opportunity