The race to host the 2030 World Cup final is intensifying, with Morocco eyeing a major opportunity as tensions grow between Madrid and Barcelona over Spain’s candidacy.
While Morocco is banking on the record capacity of its future mega-stadium in Casablanca, Spain’s internal rivalry is complicating its plans.
Barcelona has officially joined the race, with mayor Jaume Collboni backing the future Spotify Camp Nou, set to hold around 104,600 fans, and stressing that FIFA does not require finals to be played in capital cities, citing Rio de Janeiro 2014, Johannesburg 2010 and New York 2026 as examples.
Madrid, meanwhile, is relying on its status as capital and the history of the renovated Santiago Bernabéu, which hosted the 1982 World Cup final and offers 84,000 seats, supported by strong political and institutional influence.
As the Spanish cities compete, Morocco continues to push its own project: the Grand Stade Hassan II near Casablanca, planned with a huge 115,000 capacity.
FIFA has awarded the three stadium proposals the same technical score of 4.3 out of 5, and will make its final decision by 2028. The outcome may depend on whether Spain presents a united front or Morocco convinces FIFA with its ambitious infrastructure.
