Pedro Sánchez chairs the Interministerial Committee for the preparation and organisation of the 2030 World Cup

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

Fifteen ministries, alongside various institutions and organisations, are involved in the preparations for this major sporting event, and around 150 people are already working in the eight working groups set up for this purpose.

In his address to the more than 60 participants at the meeting, at which the Minister for Education, Vocational Training and Sport, Milagros Tolón, also spoke, the president pointed out that, after next September, when FIFA returns to Spain, we will have less than four years to prepare for one of the most important events in our country's recent history. Four years, he said, to organise the biggest event on the planet, to show the world who we are and to restore Spain's positive image.

He recalled that the 2030 World Cup will mark the tournament's centenary and - in his view - will be a symbol of cooperation in times of division and discord, as our country will be sharing this challenge with two friendly neighbouring countries, namely Portugal and Morocco.

The aim is for the project as a whole to be a success, but we are also aware of what Spain can contribute and that our responsibility - given our stature, capacity and experience - is to take the lead and 'drive the process forward'. To this end, he emphasised, we have first-class infrastructure, a modern and well-connected transport network, as well as organisational capacity and proven experience in organising major international events; we therefore look forward with confidence to the next stages of the process.

Non official translation