FIFA yet to decide 2030 World Cup final venue as Morocco and Spain compete

FIFA is reportedly not expected to decide the venue for the 2030 World Cup final until 2028, Africasoccer.com has learned.

The report, citing sources familiar with the process, says the governing body does not intend to announce the stadium for the tournament’s final before then.

The timeline would leave Morocco and Spain competing for the right to stage the showpiece match, with both countries continuing to publicly promote their preferred venues.

Morocco pushing Hassan II Stadium bid

Morocco has made no secret of its ambition to host the 2030 World Cup final at the Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane, near Casablanca.

The stadium is currently under construction and is expected to accommodate about 115,000 spectators, potentially making it the world’s largest football-specific stadium once completed.

The project has become a central part of Morocco’s campaign to secure the final.

Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa has repeatedly backed the proposal. In September, he said Benslimane would have “the honour” of hosting the 2030 final and called on Moroccan institutions and supporters to support the country’s efforts to bring the match to the Hassan II Stadium.

FIFA has previously maintained that no decision has been made, saying the venue would be announced “in due course”.

Spain also targeting the final

Spain remains another contender, with Royal Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzan expressing confidence that the final will be played in the country.

Louzan has identified either Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu or Barcelona’s Camp Nou as possible venues.

Mundo Deportivo reported that those two stadiums, alongside Morocco’s Hassan II Stadium, are the leading candidates for the final.

The Spanish publication also said FIFA has yet to schedule its next inspection visit to Morocco, Spain and Portugal. The visit is expected to contribute to the final assessment of the host cities and stadiums.

2030 World Cup to span six countries

Morocco, Spain and Portugal will host 101 matches during the 2030 World Cup.

Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each stage one centenary celebration fixture to mark 100 years since the inaugural World Cup.

FIFA formally appointed Morocco, Spain and Portugal as the main hosts in December 2024.

If the reported 2028 timeline is followed, Morocco will have additional time to complete the Hassan II Stadium and continue its preparations for a potential World Cup final.