World Cup 2030 final: Spain and Morocco make competing claims as Fifa weighs host options

The race to stage the 2030 World Cup final has intensified, with Spain and Morocco promoting rival arguments as Fifa insists no decision has been made.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said Spain will host the largest number of matches and that the final will be played at Santiago Bernabeu. His comments have revived questions over whether Madrid is referring to an agreed plan or expressing an ambition that has not yet been approved by world football’s governing body.

Morocco, meanwhile, is relying on plans for a new stadium in Casablanca with a proposed capacity of 115,000 spectators.

The issue was examined by Algerian commentator Hafid Derradji in an article for Al-Quds Al-Arabi. He said Spain had strong credentials, but hosting the greatest number of matches would not automatically give it the right to stage the final. Morocco, he added, had its own project and ambitions, although building a giant stadium did not guarantee it the match.

The tournament was initially planned as a joint bid by Spain and Portugal before Morocco joined with the agreement of the other two countries. What began as a partnership has since developed into a contest involving international influence, political messaging and standing within football institutions.

Both countries are presenting their case on technical readiness, organisational experience, stadium capacity, transport and facilities, as well as their ability to accommodate supporters and provide adequate security.

Sanchez’s latest statement was viewed by some as reassurance to the Spanish public and as a reminder to Fifa and Morocco of Spain’s prominence within the hosting proposal. A Moroccan victory would represent a major achievement and the culmination of long-term investment in sports infrastructure, following the country’s successful organisation of numerous sporting events.

If Spain were selected, it would be seen as recognition of its historical and organisational position in the original proposal, first developed with Portugal before Morocco joined following an initiative by Gianni Infantino.

Fifa has previously denied that any agreement or promise exists to award the final to either Spain or Morocco. It has said the decision will be made at the appropriate time and based solely on technical information, rather than political statements or expectations.

Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host 101 matches. A further three celebratory games will be held in South America to mark the centenary of the World Cup, making the 2030 tournament an exceptional event involving three countries and the 100th anniversary of the first finals.

‘More than 90 minutes’

“The final is more than just 90 minutes,” Derradji wrote. “It will be a symbolic showcase for the country, city and stadium that hosts it.”

He said the central question was not which country appeared more deserving in the media, but which could submit the most convincing proposal under Fifa’s criteria.

The political stakes rose when Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of Spain’s opposition People’s Party, suggested Spain could withdraw entirely from hosting the tournament if it were denied the final. Spain’s position appears more confrontational, while Morocco has focused on accelerating construction of the stadium intended to strengthen its bid.

Infantino, meanwhile, continues to use the final as part of his campaign for a new term.