Recent calls by Portugal’s LIVRE party and Spanish political groups for Morocco’s removal stem from the Ceuta migration crisis and longstanding human rights concerns over Western Sahara policies. These developments, surfacing in early August 2026, have intensified scrutiny of the tri-nation bid confirmed by FIFA in December 2024. Tensions over the final venue, with reports of Morocco potentially hosting the title match, have further strained relations with Spain and Portugal. Broader European human rights critiques and proposals to expand the tournament to 64 teams add uncertainty ahead of FIFA’s September meetings on scheduling and governance. Trader sentiment reflects the risk that political pressure could prompt a re-evaluation of the joint hosting arrangement before the 2030 cycle advances.