Morocco’s Hassan II Stadium emerges as strong contender for 2030 World Cup final

Morocco’s hopes of hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup final have received a significant boost, with a report suggesting Casablanca’s under-construction Hassan II Stadium has emerged as a genuine challenger to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu.

For years, the Bernabeu had been widely regarded as the frontrunner to stage the tournament’s showpiece match when Spain, Portugal and Morocco co-host the centenary World Cup. However, The Athletic reports that Morocco’s investment in infrastructure and growing influence within global football have turned what once appeared to be a straightforward decision into an increasingly competitive contest.

Morocco’s investment strengthens final bid

At the centre of Morocco’s plans is the 115,000-seat Hassan II Stadium near Casablanca, which is expected to become one of the largest football stadiums in the world.

According to The Athletic, Morocco has committed around €1 billion in public funding towards the project, while also investing heavily in transport infrastructure, including new highways and rail connections linking the venue to Casablanca and Rabat.

Moroccan officials have openly stated their ambition to host the final, arguing that the purpose-built stadium would be well suited to FIFA’s requirements.

The report also notes that Moroccan officials believe awarding the final to Casablanca would offer greater geographical balance, with Africa having hosted the FIFA World Cup only once, when South Africa staged the tournament in 2010.

Bernabeu still presents strong case

Despite Morocco’s growing momentum, Spain continues to believe Madrid remains the strongest candidate.

The Santiago Bernabeu has previously hosted the FIFA World Cup final, the UEFA European Championship final, several UEFA Champions League finals and the Copa Libertadores final. Following a €1.5 billion redevelopment, it is also regarded as one of the most advanced football stadiums in the world.

Spanish football officials told The Athletic that the country’s football heritage, experience in staging major sporting events, the number of World Cup matches Spain is expected to host and Madrid’s global commercial appeal all strengthen its case.

However, one Spanish football industry source suggested the situation has shifted considerably.

“Eighteen months ago, it was impossible for Bernabéu to lose the 2030 final, but today I wouldn’t be surprised, as the RFEF’s position is very weak, compared to everything Morocco have done.”

Lekjaa’s influence highlighted

The report also points to the increasing international influence of Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa.

In addition to leading Moroccan football since 2014, Lekjaa serves as CAF’s First Vice-President and is a member of the FIFA Council. The Athletic describes him as one of the most influential figures in world football administration and highlights his close working relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

The opening of FIFA’s Africa office in Rabat is also cited as further evidence of Morocco’s growing importance within the governing body’s long-term strategy.

Spain faces institutional challenges

While Morocco has presented a united front in its World Cup preparations, the report says Spain has experienced greater administrative instability.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation has undergone several leadership changes in recent years following the departure of former president Luis Rubiales, with sources suggesting current president Rafael Louzán has yet to establish the same level of international influence as Lekjaa.

Despite that, Spain’s government remains confident that Madrid will host the final, with Sports Minister Milagros Tolón and football federation officials continuing to back the Bernabeu’s credentials.

FIFA yet to make final decision

The report concludes that the decision on the venue for the 2030 World Cup final remains entirely in FIFA’s hands.

As with previous World Cup tournaments, the governing body is expected to weigh sporting, commercial, logistical and political considerations before selecting the host stadium.

With Morocco accelerating its preparations and Spain maintaining confidence in the Bernabeu’s credentials, the race to stage the biggest match of the 2030 FIFA World Cup remains wide open, with FIFA yet to announce when a final decision will be made.