Western Sahara dispute draws attention as Morocco prepares to co‑host 2030 World Cup

The long-running dispute over Western Sahara is foregrounded by the story of Ali Radjel, a Spanish-based footballer born in Tindouf refugee camps, as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup. A UN-brokered truce in 1991 promised a referendum that has not taken place and Morocco now administers most of the territory.

Western Sahara remains a long-running territorial dispute that is gaining attention because Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup. Footballer Ali Radjel, born in the Tindouf refugee camps, speaks about the experience of Sahrawi refugees and their limited opportunities. Spain withdrew from the territory in 1975, and a United Nations-brokered truce in 1991 included a promised referendum on self-determination that has not been held. Morocco now administers most of the region and international positions have shifted in recent years. Key facts: - A 1991 UN-brokered truce included a promised referendum on independence that has not taken place. - Morocco currently administers about 80% of Western Sahara territory. - Several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Israel, have recognised Moroccan sovereignty in recent years. - Many Sahrawis live in refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria, and individuals such as Ali Radjel have spoken publicly about their situation. Summary: The dispute over Western Sahara remains unresolved while Morocco’s administrative and diplomatic position has strengthened. The region’s visibility may increase as Morocco co-hosts the 2030 World Cup. Undetermined at this time.