The race to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final is intensifying, with Morocco and Spain stepping up their efforts to secure the tournament’s showcase event.
According to The Athletic, citing sources familiar with Morocco’s World Cup preparations, Moroccan officials believe it would be “fairer” for Casablanca to host the final, pointing to FIFA’s principle of geographical balance and the fact that Africa has hosted only one World Cup final.
At the center of Morocco’s bid is the Grand Stade Hassan II, a 115,000-seat stadium under construction near Casablanca that would become the largest football venue in the tournament and surpass Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu by roughly 30,000 seats.
The stadium, which Moroccan authorities expect to complete by the end of 2027, is already about 30% finished, with around 40% of its seating structure in place.
The project is backed by approximately €1 billion in government funding and forms part of a broader infrastructure push that includes new rail and highway links connecting Casablanca and Rabat. Moroccan officials have presented the development as a key component of King Mohammed VI’s strategy to position the kingdom as a global football hub.
“Stade Hassan II is completely new. It’s easier to adapt to FIFA’s needs. Everything they ask for, they can have,” Yassir Soussi, director general of Morocco’s National Agency for Public Facilities, previously told Spanish media.
FIFA considerations could favor Morocco
The Athletic reported that FIFA may favor a venue where it can exercise greater operational control, a factor that could strengthen Morocco’s case.
The report noted that Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and a government minister, enjoys direct access to Morocco’s political leadership, while Spain’s preparations have been complicated by tensions between the government and the Spanish football federation.
“Losing the 2030 final to Morocco was a big concern among the delegates at the Spanish federation’s annual assembly in Madrid on June 30,” the outlet quoted an industry source as saying.
The debate has been further fueled by Spanish media reports claiming that U.S. President Donald Trump was privately backing Morocco’s bid because of Washington’s close ties with Rabat.
However, those claims remain unverified. Neither FIFA nor the White House has commented publicly, and no evidence has emerged to substantiate the allegations.
The speculation followed FIFA’s decision to overturn the suspension of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun after his red card in the Round of 32. Spanish media linked the decision to a reported call from Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, although FIFA has not confirmed the account.
The reports also come against the backdrop of growing tensions between Washington and Madrid. Trump has repeatedly criticized Spain over defense spending within NATO, while Spanish authorities have clashed with the United States on several foreign policy issues, including the war in Gaza and U.S. operations abroad.
By contrast, relations between Rabat and Washington have strengthened in recent years, particularly following U.S. recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and support for the kingdom’s autonomy proposal.
Spain banks on the Bernabéu’s legacy
Concern over the possibility of losing the final has prompted some Spanish fans to launch an online campaign under the slogan #OLaFinalONada (“Final or Nothing”), calling on Spain to withdraw as a co-host if Casablanca is selected over Madrid.
Supporters argue that Spain should host not only the final but also the International Broadcast Centre and the majority of the tournament’s matches.
Spain’s bid centers on the Santiago Bernabéu, which hosted the 1982 World Cup final and has staged multiple Champions League, European Championship and Copa Libertadores finals.
The stadium recently underwent a €1.5 billion renovation that added hospitality areas, media facilities, a retractable roof and panoramic digital screens.
According to The Athletic, officials within the Spanish federation believe there are “many reasons” for the Bernabéu to host the final, citing its history and Madrid’s status as one of Europe’s most visited capitals.
Yet, the outlet also reported that Morocco’s position has strengthened considerably since FIFA awarded hosting rights to Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
One industry source told the publication that Morocco has gained momentum while “the Spanish federation’s position is now very weak.”
The report added that Spanish federation president Rafael Louzán continues to face institutional challenges at home and has yet to establish international networks comparable to those built by his Moroccan counterpart.
FIFA has not announced when it will decide which stadium will host the 2030 World Cup final.
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