Senegal backs Morocco to host 2030 World Cup final

Senegal Football Federation president Abdoulaye Fall has publicly backed Morocco’s bid to stage the 2030 World Cup final, saying a second showpiece in Africa would represent “a victory for Africa”.

Morocco is competing with Spain to host the final of the tournament, which will be jointly staged in Morocco, Spain and Portugal. Fall made his position known while a dispute involving Senegal remains before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Fall is supporting the possibility of Africa hosting the World Cup final for only the second time. The continent’s first final took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2010.

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) president also praised Morocco’s infrastructure as a major strength in its bid. The country’s proposed venue is the Grand Stade Hassan II, currently under construction in Benslimane, near Casablanca.

The stadium is planned to have a capacity of 115,000 and would face competition from Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu, the home of Real Madrid, in the race to host the final.

Morocco’s prospects were also acknowledged by Jose Luis Martinez Almeida, the mayor of Madrid. Speaking several days ago, he openly admitted that “Casablanca has more chances”, echoing comments previously made by Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

Fall’s intervention comes at a sensitive moment in relations between Senegal and Morocco. On Wednesday, CAS confirmed that the hearing concerning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final will take place on 8 October.

The dispute began after the CAF Appeal Jury transferred the African champions’ title from Senegal to Morocco on 18 March. Senegal subsequently lodged an appeal with CAS.

The case remains pending as Morocco’s bid for the 2030 World Cup final continues to be discussed. While the final host has yet to be settled, Fall has made clear that he believes Casablanca should be selected over Madrid, citing both the wider significance for African football and Morocco’s plans for the Grand Stade Hassan II.