Madrid mayor issues strong warning over Morocco’s bid to host 2030 World Cup final

Madrid mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida has threatened to push for escalating measures if Spain is denied the opportunity to host the final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Spain will co-host the expanded tournament alongside Portugal and Morocco, with Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay also staging selected matches as part of the competition’s centenary celebrations.

However, competition over the right to stage the tournament’s showpiece final has intensified, with Spain and Morocco emerging as the leading contenders for the prestigious fixture.

Spain is particularly keen to secure the final, with Madrid considered a strong candidate because of its established football infrastructure and experience in hosting major sporting events.

Speaking about the issue, Martinez-Almeida insisted that Spain deserves the opportunity to stage the final, pointing to the country’s achievements in international football and its capacity to organise high-profile competitions.

“The final should be held here,” the Madrid mayor said, as quoted by Spanish newspaper Sport.

“It would be embarrassing to deny the best football in the world, which is Spanish football, that recognition,” he added.

The Madrid mayor further pointed to the Santiago Bernabeu as evidence of Spain’s readiness to host the final, describing the stadium’s facilities and infrastructure as being among the best available.

He warned that Spain could reconsider its involvement as a host nation if the final is awarded to Morocco, suggesting that the decision would be difficult for the country to accept.

“Spain will have to reconsider hosting the World Cup. Everything has its limits. We have the best facilities. The Santiago Bernabeu stadium has the highest possible rating. What more could you ask for?” he stated.

Martinez-Almeida was particularly emphatic about the possibility of Morocco securing the final, describing such an outcome as humiliating for Spain.

He, however, made it clear that Spain’s priority is to keep the final within its borders, suggesting that Barcelona could serve as an alternative venue if Madrid is overlooked.

“It would be humiliating if the right to host the final went to Morocco. In that case, we would naturally have to reconsider our participation as hosts. If the final is not in Madrid, then let it be in Barcelona; the important thing is that it is within Spain,” he concluded.

The contest between Spain and Morocco is expected to remain a major talking point as preparations for the 2030 World Cup gather momentum, with the decision on the final venue carrying significant prestige for both co-hosting nations.