Rabat, Jan 30 (AGCNewsNet) — The long-awaited underwater tunnel connecting Spain and Morocco under the Strait of Gibraltar is making progress, but experts believe it will not be completed in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the two nations will co-host with Portugal.

The tunnel, inspired by the Channel Tunnel between France and the UK, is designed as a 38.5 km rail link, with 28 km running beneath the sea at depths of 175m to 475m. The project, estimated to cost over $15 billion, has faced significant geological challenges, pushing the likely completion date to 2040.

Spanish Minister of Transport Óscar Puente acknowledged the difficulties, stating, "The conditions are much more complex than expected." While feasibility studies continue, no confirmed budget or construction plan has been finalized.

Recent contracts with engineering firms, including Herrenknecht Ibérica, aim to assess drilling feasibility. Meanwhile, the Spanish Navy is set to oversee seismic monitoring from April to September 2025.

Despite political commitments from Madrid and Rabat, experts remain skeptical about meeting the 2030 deadline. Moroccan analyst Ahmed Zaher noted, "What has been done so far is limited. The tunnel is still in the early study phase."

While the tunnel could revolutionize transportation between North Africa and Europe, it is unlikely to play a role in facilitating travel for the 2030 World Cup.

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