Madrid mayor warns Morocco is ahead in race to host 2030 World Cup final

Madrid mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida says Morocco currently has a stronger claim than Spain to host the 2030 World Cup final, raising concerns over the outcome of the contest between the two countries.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Heraldo de Aragon, Martinez-Almeida said Morocco was the favourite “at this moment” to stage the showpiece match. The 2030 World Cup will be hosted jointly by Spain, Morocco and Portugal.

His comments came after he criticised the Spanish government’s handling of Ceuta and argued that Morocco was taking the necessary steps to win what has become an “affair of state”.

Martinez-Almeida warned that it would be a major setback for Spain if the final were not played in Madrid. He said the disappointment would be even greater because Morocco appeared to have turned the balance of power in its favour.

The Spanish bid is centred on the renovated Santiago Bernabeu, while Morocco is putting forward the ambitious Grand Stade Hassan II, which is being built in Benslimane, near Casablanca.

The Moroccan stadium is expected to hold 115,000 spectators. That capacity would make it one of the largest venues in the world, and potentially the biggest. Its opening is scheduled for 2027.

The comments from the Madrid mayor echo concerns previously expressed by Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).

Lekjaa has made several public interventions in recent days to challenge reports in the Spanish media that Spain is the favourite to host the final. He has instead called for Morocco to be selected.

During a symbolic visit to Benslimane this week, Lekjaa said: “We will mobilise all institutions and all Moroccans so that Morocco hosts the 2030 World Cup final. Whether some people like it or not, whether some people want it or not.”

The remarks underline the growing competition between the Spanish and Moroccan bids, with both countries seeking to stage the tournament’s decisive fixture. While Spain has the Santiago Bernabeu as its proposed venue, Morocco is promoting the future Grand Stade Hassan II as a stadium capable of providing a larger capacity.

For Martinez-Almeida, failing to secure the final for Madrid would represent a serious blow, particularly given his view that Morocco has recently strengthened its position in the race.