Morocco and Spain clash over 2030 World Cup final venue as FIFA reins in Lekjaa

The fight to host the 2030 World Cup final has entered a new chapter. Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, said on Monday that the new Casablanca stadium would have the honor of staging the tournament's decisive match, a claim that drew an immediate response from FIFA: the decision will be made in due course. The exchange keeps the battle between Spain, Morocco and Portugal alive as they prepare to co-host the event in four years' time.

What Lekjaa said about Casablanca and the 2030 World Cup final

Fouzi Lekjaa did not hesitate to celebrate that the new Casablanca stadium would host the final. His words placed Morocco in a position of apparent certainty over a decision that, in reality, remains unresolved. The Moroccan official took for granted a scenario that has not yet been confirmed by football's world governing body.

FIFA's response to the Moroccan official's remarks

FIFA's reaction was as brief as it was firm. The organization reminded everyone that the decision will be made in due course, a message that nullifies any premature announcement. With that response, FIFA once again put the focus on the evaluation process that still needs to be completed before defining which stadium will host the title match.

The decision will be made in due course.

Spain defends the Bernabéu and its status as world champion

Spain is not giving up on the final. Rafael Louzán, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, was clear on September 1 during the AFE gala: it would be impossible to understand Spain not hosting the World Cup final. His argument leans on the Spanish national team's status as reigning world champion after winning the title in 2024.

Luis de la Fuente, the national team coach, also addressed the issue when asked in Oviedo. The Rioja-born coach argued that the final should be played in Spain and added that he would like to be the coach at that tournament. His words reinforce Spain's position in a debate that gains intensity every week.

Santiago Bernabéu versus Hassan II Stadium: the duel for the decisive match

FIFA's final decision will come down to two main scenarios: the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid and the Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca. Both venues present top-tier projects, but only one will host the most watched match on the planet. The Bernabéu has the backing of Madrid's experience with major events and a recent comprehensive renovation. The Moroccan project, driven by the tournament, aims to become one of the largest stadiums in the world.

How many venues each country proposes and what remains to be defined

FIFA still needs to visit the three countries again to define the final number of venues. Spain hopes to keep eleven, despite the withdrawals of Málaga and A Coruña from the selection process. Valencia and Vigo are emerging as alternatives to complete the Spanish quota. Morocco would contribute six venues and Portugal three.

• Morocco takes for granted that the 2030 World Cup final will be played at the new Casablanca stadium.
• FIFA responds that the final venue will be decided in due course and nothing is set in stone yet.
• Spain defends the Santiago Bernabéu with support from Rafael Louzán and Luis de la Fuente.
• FIFA must visit the three countries again to confirm the final venue allocation.
• Spain wants eleven venues; Morocco and Portugal would contribute six and three respectively.

Frequently asked questions about the 2030 World Cup final