Spain’s 2030 World Cup final bid gains fresh backing from federation chief Rafael Louzan

Rafael Louzan has renewed Spain’s claim to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final, saying the country has the strongest case as it competes with Morocco for the tournament’s showpiece match.

The president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation said on Friday that Spain was “the best football nation today”, pointing to the achievements of its national teams and clubs.

Louzan was speaking during a visit to Ceuta, where he appeared alongside Spain manager Luis de la Fuente. But while making a firm case for Spain, he acknowledged that the final decision on the venue rests with world governing body FIFA.

“Spain deserves to host the final” because of its footballing history and organisational capacity, Louzan said. He then delivered a pointed message about Morocco’s competing bid, asking: “Where would it be held if not in Spain?”

The venue for the final remains undecided, with FIFA yet to make an official announcement. Although the 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, the contest for the final has developed into a separate battle between Spain and Morocco.

Spain is promoting Santiago Bernabeu and Spotify Camp Nou as its preferred options. Morocco’s leading candidate is Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca.

Santiago Bernabeu has undergone a major redevelopment, increasing its facilities for sporting events and its commercial capabilities. Spotify Camp Nou, meanwhile, is expected to be ready to stage World Cup matches once its redevelopment work has been completed.

Spain’s bid is also supported by the fact that it will host the largest number of matches at the tournament. The country is further relying on its long experience of staging major sporting events as it makes its case for the final.

Morocco is building its campaign around its sporting plans and modern infrastructure, which is being strengthened ahead of the World Cup.

The two countries are seeking the honour of hosting the match that will crown the winner of the centenary edition of the tournament. However, FIFA will have the final say on which stadium stages the decisive fixture.

Louzan’s comments came as the Royal Spanish Football Federation presented the success of the FIFA World Cup to the people of Ceuta. He and De la Fuente were received at the headquarters of the Government of Ceuta by Juan Jesus Vivas, president of the Autonomous City of Ceuta.

No official decision has yet been made on the final venue, leaving the competition between Spain and Morocco open. Spain’s federation believes its football record, stadium options and organisational experience give it the advantage, while Morocco continues to develop its infrastructure and promote Hassan II Stadium as a potential host.