Infantino relationship with Morocco fuels Spanish concern over 2030 World Cup final

Concerns are growing within the Royal Spanish Football Federation that Morocco could be chosen instead of Spain to host the 2030 World Cup final, with the close relationship between Fifa president Gianni Infantino and Moroccan officials seen as a potentially decisive factor.

The issue has created what is described as a previously unseen level of uncertainty at the Spanish federation over where the tournament’s showpiece match will be played.

Journalist Anton Meana, speaking on Spanish radio programme El Larguero, said officials in Spain had become genuinely worried about the outcome of the behind-the-scenes contest between Madrid and Rabat.

“They have always been optimistic, but there are now concerns because of the relationship between Morocco and Fifa,” he said. “There are a number of steps being taken in Rabat that are causing displeasure among officials in Las Rozas, and Infantino’s actions are causing concern.”

Las Rozas is the headquarters of the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

The latest unease comes only two weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Spain won the tournament for a second time after beating Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in New York on 19 July.

Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute.

Infantino’s links with Morocco

The final decision on the venue for the 2030 World Cup final rests with Fifa president Infantino. He could be re-elected in March 2027 for a term lasting until 2031, which would give him full authority over the disputed venue decision.

Spanish officials are particularly concerned that Infantino has visited Morocco four times during the past two years, while he has not visited Spain since Luis Rubiales was president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

That contrast is viewed within Spain as evidence of a clear effort to strengthen relations with Morocco.

The ceremony to inaugurate the next Fifa president is due to take place in Rabat in March 2027. The event is regarded as another factor that could improve Morocco’s prospects of being awarded the final, especially given Infantino’s close relationship with Moroccan officials.

Dispute with Uefa adds to Spanish concerns

Spain’s position is also being weakened by what the report describes as a serious dispute between Fifa and European football’s governing body, Uefa.

That disagreement is considered likely to reduce Madrid’s chances of securing the final, even though Fifa experts believe Santiago Bernabeu in the Spanish capital is the ideal venue for the most important match of the tournament.

Despite the growing concerns, Spain is not considering withdrawing its bid to host the 2030 World Cup if Morocco ultimately wins the right to stage the final.

Meana said Spanish officials remained committed to securing the match for the country.

“Even so, they are not thinking about withdrawing Spain’s bid to host the World Cup if Morocco gets the final in the end, because they are still working to ensure it is played in Spain,” he said. “The Royal Spanish Football Federation says the World Cup is extremely important, and that Spain will host the majority of the matches.”