FIFA inspectors to assess Barcelona’s Camp Nou ahead of 2030 World Cup final decision

FIFA representatives will visit Spotify Camp Nou on Monday to inspect its facilities as Spain, Portugal and Morocco prepare their bids to host the 2030 World Cup final.

The inspection will focus on the condition of the stadium, with the Spanish Football Federation and Barcelona hoping the visit will produce a positive assessment of the redeveloped venue.

Spotify Camp Nou is regarded as one of the major attractions in Spain’s World Cup plans. The stadium is also being promoted as the preferred venue for the tournament’s final, an ambition reaffirmed at an event held in Barcelona last Monday.

On Tuesday, the FIFA delegation will travel to RCDE Stadium, the home of Espanyol, as part of its assessment of the facilities available in Spain.

Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni has publicly called for the decisive match to be staged in the city. His position has been supported by Barcelona president Joan Laporta, Government of Catalonia sports minister Berni Alvarez and Joan Soteras, president of the Catalan Football Federation.

Their proposal has also received backing from Rafael Louzan, president of the Spanish Football Federation. Louzan has again stated his preference for the final to be held in Spain, whether at Spotify Camp Nou or Santiago Bernabeu.

The competing joint bid from Portugal and Morocco is also increasing its efforts to secure the final. Morocco’s principal option is the Hassan II Stadium, which will have a capacity of 115,000 spectators.

Spain, however, remains confident that FIFA could choose one of its two historic grounds. Both Spotify Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabeu have long-standing reputations and have undergone development and renovation work.

The decision on the final venue is not expected before 2027 or 2028, leaving considerable time for further changes before FIFA reaches a conclusion. The upcoming inspections will form part of the process, but they will not determine the outcome on their own.