Morocco could host 2030 World Cup final, says Raja sporting director

Raja Club Athletic sporting director Rogerio Matias believes Morocco is well prepared to host the 2030 World Cup final, saying the scale of investment in the country makes such an outcome unsurprising.

Matias pointed to the extensive infrastructure projects currently underway in Morocco, including the construction of the Hassan II Stadium near Casablanca, which is planned to accommodate 115,000 spectators.

Speaking to Portuguese newspaper Record, the Raja sporting director said he had been impressed by the scale of development since moving to Morocco.

“The scale of investment in Morocco and the construction work underway are impressive,” he said. “In Casablanca, a stadium with capacity for more than 110,000 spectators is being prepared.”

Hassan II Stadium at centre of final debate

The Hassan II Stadium, currently under construction in Benslimane near Casablanca, has emerged as Morocco’s leading candidate to stage the 2030 World Cup final.

Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa was quoted by Reuters last month as saying the final would be played at the venue, although FIFA has not officially confirmed where the showpiece match will take place.

“The government and the King are making major efforts to make the 2030 World Cup a success, and it would not be surprising if the final were held in Morocco,” Matias added.

Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each host a centenary celebration match.

FIFA confirmed the three main hosts in December 2024, but the governing body has yet to announce the stadium that will stage the final.

Morocco and Spain make their cases

The location of the final has become a subject of discussion between Morocco and Spain, with both countries presenting strong cases for hosting the tournament’s most prestigious match.

FIFA has maintained that the decision remains pending, leaving the Hassan II Stadium and venues in Spain competing for the right to host the final.

The new Casablanca stadium has nevertheless strengthened Morocco’s position, with its planned capacity of 115,000 making it one of the largest football venues in the world.

Matias sees Morocco’s football growth

Matias has had a close view of Morocco’s football development since joining Raja during the summer.

The Portuguese executive was appointed sporting director in July as part of a restructuring of the Casablanca club’s sporting department. His responsibilities include overseeing recruitment, player development, football strategy and the club’s long-term sporting project.

Before moving to Morocco, Matias worked as sporting director at Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes between 2022 and 2026.

His comments add another Portuguese voice to the debate over where the 2030 World Cup final should be played.

FIFA is yet to make a final decision, but the Hassan II Stadium has emerged as a strong contender for the tournament’s showpiece match.