Qatar and Spain strengthen security cooperation ahead of 2030 World Cup

Qatar and Spain are stepping up security cooperation ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The agreement followed a meeting in Spain on Monday between Qatar’s Interior Minister and Internal Security Force Commander, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gómez.

The ministers discussed bilateral relations, particularly cooperation in the security sector, along with other issues of common interest. They then signed a Letter of Intent on security cooperation for the tournament.

The arrangement is intended to strengthen coordination between Qatar’s Ministry of Interior and Spain’s Ministry of the Interior as preparations continue for the four-yearly competition. Cross-border coordination will be important because of the tournament’s scale and the movement of supporters from around the world.

The 2030 World Cup will have an unusual format. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host the main tournament, while three opening matches will be played in South America as part of celebrations marking 100 years of the World Cup.

Qatar Tribune, cited by Republika, described Qatar’s participation as part of international security cooperation leading to the tournament. Qatar is drawing on its experience hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.