Hadji says Morocco can deliver Africa’s next World Cup final

Morocco legend Mustapha Hadji says the 2030 World Cup final should be played in Morocco, arguing that the country has the facilities to host football’s biggest match.

Morocco will co-host the tournament with Spain and Portugal, while Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will each stage one match as part of celebrations marking 100 years since the competition began.

Morocco and Spain are competing to host the final. Spanish media have strongly backed the Santiago Bernabeu as the venue, while Morocco is standing by plans to stage the match at the Hassan II Grand Stadium, which is being built in the province of Benslimane, near Casablanca.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has said the final “must be played at a stadium with the history of the Santiago Bernabeu”.

Hadji, however, believes Morocco’s claim is justified, particularly because Europe and North America have hosted the World Cup on numerous occasions.

“Of course I want the final to be held in Morocco, in Casablanca or Rabat, especially because we have the capabilities needed to do so,” Hadji said in a filmed interview with Kooora, which will be published later.

“I would like to see a World Cup final held in Africa for a second time, after the first occasion in South Africa in 2010. I believe the time has come to raise the African flag.”

Asked about calls from Spanish media for the final to be staged in Spain, despite recent controversy surrounding racism in Spanish stadiums, Hadji said he believed the debate also reflected prejudice against Africa.

“Yes, honestly, I believe there is racism,” he said. “They are also being racist when they call for the match to be taken away from Africa, even though it has been held several times in Europe and the United States.”

Hadji was also asked whether Morocco could stage a World Cup that surpassed the 2022 tournament in Qatar, which some consider to have been one of the best editions in the competition’s history.

The former Morocco forward expressed confidence in the country’s preparations and footballing development.

“Yes,” he replied. “Moroccan football officials have been working since 2012, across more than one area, to develop the game. Today, we have all the necessary qualifications and capabilities.

“It has reached the point where dual-nationality players competing in European leagues are asking to play for Morocco.”

Morocco will be one of three principal hosts at the 2030 World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal. Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will each host one fixture to mark the centenary of the first World Cup.