As anticipation builds for the 2030 World Cup, which will see Spain, Portugal, and Morocco unite as co-hosts, the debate over the final’s location intensifies. While Spain’s football federation asserts that the grand finale will take place on its soil, Morocco aims to showcase its burgeoning infrastructure, particularly with the creation of a new stadium set to accommodate a significant number of fans in Casablanca. This historic event not only highlights the solidarity between these nations but also underscores the immense growth potential of Moroccan sports and hospitality on a global stage.
The president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Rafael Louzan, has confidently stated that Spain will host the final of the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Portugal and Morocco. While Morocco expresses its desire to have the final in Casablanca at the Grand Stade Hassan II, a large stadium currently under construction, Louzan has other plans in mind.
During a recent event organized by the Madrid Sports Press Association, Louzan remarked that Spain has consistently exhibited its organizational capabilities and will lead the preparations for the upcoming World Cup. He asserted that the final match of the tournament will indeed take place in Spain, although he did not specify whether the venue would be Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu or Barcelona’s Camp Nou, both of which are frontrunners for hosting the event.
The Grand Stade Hassan II, once completed in late 2028, is expected to hold 115,000 spectators, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Faouzi Lekjaa had previously expressed his aspiration for Casablanca to host a final against Spain. However, Louzan acknowledged the obstacles Morocco faced during the recent Africa Cup of Nations, which was marred by chaos in the final match between Senegal and Morocco, leading to interruptions caused by fan disruptions and player protests.
Despite these challenges, Louzan praised Morocco’s ongoing transformation in the sports sector, especially with the development of magnificent stadiums. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the positives while addressing any incidents that may tarnish the image of international football.
Responses from FIFA, the FRMF, and the Portuguese Football Federation regarding the final’s location remain forthcoming. FIFA had stated last year that it is premature to make a decision on the venue for the 2030 final, noting that the host city for the 2026 World Cup final was only determined two years before the tournament. Ultimately, FIFA retains the authority to decide the match location as the event approaches.