The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has expressed strong confidence that Spain will host the final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, directly challenging co-host Morocco's ambitions for the prestigious match. This assertion comes despite Morocco's construction of the colossal 115,000-capacity Grand Stade Hassan II, which had positioned the North African nation as a frontrunner for the tournament's climax.
Organisational Edge Over Moroccan Rivals
RFEF president Rafael Louzan pointed to Spain's long-standing reputation for organisational excellence as a key factor in the bid. "Spain has proven its organisational capacity over many years," Louzan stated. "It will be the leader of the 2030 World Cup and the final of that World Cup will be held here." This declaration underscores a strategic move to leverage Spain's established infrastructure and event-hosting pedigree.
Morocco's Setback at Africa Cup of Nations
Louzan suggested that Morocco's recent hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations has weakened its case. The tournament concluded earlier this month with controversial scenes, including Senegal's protest over refereeing decisions favouring Morocco. "In the Africa Cup of Nations, we have seen scenes that damage the image of world football," Louzan remarked, implying that such incidents could influence FIFA's decision-making for the 2030 final.
Venue Considerations and Co-Host Dynamics
Spain boasts two premier stadiums as potential venues: Real Madrid's Bernabeu and Barcelona's rebuilt Camp Nou. The RFEF has not yet indicated a preference between these iconic grounds. Portugal is also a co-host of the 2030 World Cup, which will be historically expansive, beginning with centenary matches in Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Morocco's Grand Stade Hassan II, scheduled for completion in 2028 near Casablanca, had initially made it a strong contender. Additionally, FIFA had shown inclination towards basing its World Cup headquarters in Morocco rather than Spain or Portugal. However, the Africa Cup of Nations fallout may have shifted perceptions.
FIFA's Ultimate Authority and Precedents
FIFA retains final authority over the selection of the World Cup final venue, typically announcing it two years prior to the event. This year's final is set for the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, chosen over LA's SoFi Stadium for the US-Canada-Mexico co-hosted tournament. Louzan's comments reflect an early, assertive campaign to sway this decision in Spain's favour, emphasising reliability over scale.
"Morocco is really undergoing a transformation in every sense, with magnificent stadiums," Louzan acknowledged, balancing criticism with recognition of progress. Yet, he firmly positioned Spain as the superior choice for football's ultimate showcase, setting the stage for a competitive bidding narrative as 2030 approaches.
