Spain refuse to back down in battle with Morocco for 2030 World Cup final

Spain have reaffirmed their determination to host the final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, insisting that staging the tournament’s showpiece match on their soil remains a non-negotiable objective despite competition from co-hosts Morocco.

President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Rafael Lozano, reiterated the country’s position on Saturday during a conference in Madrid, making it clear that Spain has no intention of giving up its ambition to stage the final.

Lozano insisted that the Spanish federation cannot envisage the tournament’s concluding match taking place outside the country, stressing that there is no alternative roadmap for their pursuit of the hosting rights.

He also indicated that FIFA is expected to make a decision on the venue in 2028, with Spain continuing efforts to convince the world governing body to select its bid.

In his remarks, the Spanish football chief stated that the World Cup belongs to the European continent, specifically Spain and Portugal, a comment that notably overlooked Morocco’s involvement as one of the three co-hosting nations.

His latest declaration comes a day after he acknowledged that Spain still had work to do to secure FIFA’s backing following a meeting with a delegation from the world governing body.

The contest over the final venue has also generated debate in Spain, with People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo suggesting that the country should consider withdrawing from the joint-hosting arrangement if it fails to secure the final.

However, Lozano dismissed the possibility, maintaining that Spain remains committed to the tournament alongside Morocco and Portugal, regardless of the eventual decision on the venue for the final.

Spain are expected to present the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid as their main option for hosting the historic encounter.

Morocco, meanwhile, are banking on the proposed Grand Stadium of Hassan II in Benslimane, which is projected to have a capacity of approximately 115,000 spectators when completed.

The planned stadium is expected to become one of the largest football venues in the world and represents a central part of Morocco’s ambition to host the final.

Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa has also expressed confidence in his country’s chances, declaring last September that the final would take place in Morocco “whether some like it or not”.

His remarks underlined Morocco’s determination to challenge Spain’s ambition and secure the tournament’s most prestigious fixture.

With both countries maintaining firm positions, the battle to host the 2030 World Cup final is expected to intensify ahead of FIFA’s anticipated decision in 2028.