Is Morocco Killing Dogs Ahead Of The 2030 World Cup?
A Facebook user, WION, has claimed that the north African nation of Morocco, could kill more than three million dogs as part of a campaign linked to preparation for the 2030 World Cup. The post which was shared on February 18, 2026, is a graphics design carrying the WION logo, a picture of dogs and the write up, ‘Morocco ‘poisoning, shooting and burning’ dogs alive ahead of 2030 World Cup, animal rights activists allege.’ The caption of the post reads, “Morocco has started killing stray dogs as part of a campaign linked to preparation for the 2030 World Cup. Weeks ago, reports emerged that the North African nation would cull more than three million dogs ahead of the sporting extravaganza. #wioncards #morocco #straydogs #worldcup2030 Read More : https://www.wionews.com/…/morocco-poisoning-shooting…”
When this report was published, the post had over 290 reactions, comments and shares.
VERIFICATION
The Independent reported that in various Moroccan cities, stray dogs have been killed in recent months. These reports, based on activists, local testimonies and videos, describe methods including shooting and poisoning.
Animal rights organisations such as the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, PETA have documented alleged culling campaigns and accused authorities of inhumane actions tied to World Cup preparations. Animal rights organisations argue that culling is already occurring in some cities and may have intensified amid World Cup preparations. They are urging more humane and ethical stray-dog control measures and pressuring FIFA to act.
However, officials in Morocco have said that there is no nationwide, government-mandated cull of all stray dogs. They point to ongoing animal welfare and management programs such as Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) and development of shelters.
Morocco’s Interior Ministry has also publicly denied plans to cull 3 million dogs before 2030, describing the claims as “entirely baseless” and stating that local authorities are using ethical, sustainable animal-welfare methods instead.
FIFA says it outlined commitments to animal welfare as part of Morocco’s World Cup bid and is monitoring developments. It has engaged with animal welfare organisations but has not confirmed large-scale culling plans.
CONCLUSION
The claim that Morocco could kill more than three million dogs as part of a campaign linked to preparation for the 2030 World Cup is currently MISLEADING. Although there are documented reports of stray dogs being killed in Morocco and activists have alleged coordinated culling, the country’s Interior Ministry says there is no government backed plan to cull dogs. Additionally, world cup body FIFA, is monitoring the situation and has not affirmed these allegations.
