De la Fuente backs Spain to host 2030 World Cup final

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has reiterated his preference for the 2030 FIFA World Cup final to be staged in Spain but has declined to support calls for the country to withdraw from hosting the tournament if Morocco is awarded the showpiece match.

Speaking at a press conference in Madrid on Friday after announcing his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, De la Fuente was asked about comments made by Spanish opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo.

“The final should be played in Spain. My responsibility is to prepare the best possible team to win the World Cup when we get there. Everything else is beyond my control,” he said.

Feijóo calls for Spain to withdraw

Feijóo, leader of Spain’s opposition People’s Party, recently suggested that the country should withdraw from co-hosting the 2030 World Cup if FIFA selects Morocco to stage the final.

Speaking in an interview with El Chiringuito, he argued that Spain deserved to host the match because of its footballing achievements and experience in organising major sporting events.

“Spain must host the World Cup final. And if it doesn’t, in my opinion, Spain should not take part in organizing the World Cup,” Feijóo said.

He also confirmed that he would push for such a withdrawal if he becomes prime minister following the November 29 general election.

Although De la Fuente shares Feijóo’s preference for a Spanish final, he has previously argued that countries should honour existing agreements even when subsequent decisions do not meet their expectations.

In an interview published on October 27, the Spain coach said countries should respect their hosting commitments.

Morocco and Spain competing to host final

The debate comes as Morocco, Spain and Portugal prepare to jointly host the 2030 World Cup.

Morocco is seeking to stage the final at the Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane, near Casablanca. The proposed stadium is designed to accommodate approximately 115,000 spectators.

Spain is also competing to host the match, with Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu among the leading proposed venues.

FIFA yet to make final decision

FIFA has not yet decided where the 2030 World Cup final will take place.

The governing body has scheduled inspections of candidate stadiums and infrastructure across the three host countries during November and December as part of its venue selection process.