Moroccan Prime Minister Tells Football Federation President to Stop Making Commitments Over Hosting the 2030 World Cup Final

According to the BBC, Morocco’s Prime Minister has asked the country’s football federation president to stop making commitments regarding hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. Meanwhile, Spain has made it clear that the final should be held in Spain.

Morocco’s Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca

The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal. In addition, to celebrate the centenary of the World Cup, the opening stage will feature three matches played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

Although the joint bid organizers have submitted a list of proposed stadiums, the specific venue arrangements and the location of the final have not yet been officially confirmed.

Previously, Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) president Fouzi Lekjaa claimed during a political party event that Casablanca would be “honored” to host the World Cup final.

FIFA, the global governing body of football and the tournament organizer, responded by saying that a decision would be made “at the appropriate time.”

At a subsequent rally, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch directly warned Lekjaa:

“Before reaching an agreement with our allies, Spain and Portugal, do not make unilateral commitments that Morocco will host such a crucial final.”

“Brothers, we must follow the rules. Do not use campaign-style slogans that could create problems for us. This is a matter of enormous importance, and the ownership of the final hosting rights is a top priority.”

On the Spanish side, Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán had previously stated that the final would be held in Spain, arguing that Spain’s World Cup triumph this summer strengthened the country’s case to host the decisive match.

Speaking in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena SER, he said:

“Although the final decision has not yet been announced, I believe the final should be played in Spain. That is only natural. Everyone knows that we are currently world champions.”

“Spain’s ability to host major sporting events is beyond doubt. Based on objective facts, this final cannot, and should not, leave Spain.”

In July, Spain defeated Argentina to win the World Cup title. The final venue for that tournament, located in New Jersey, was not officially announced until February 2024 — just two years before the competition began.

Currently, Morocco is building a new super stadium with a planned capacity of 115,000 spectators. Once completed, it will become the largest football stadium in the world.

In Spain, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium recently completed renovation work and can now accommodate 83,000 fans. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Spotify Camp Nou will have a capacity of 105,000 after its renovation is completed.