Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, has sparked an early conflict over hosting the 2030 World Cup final after declaring that the match will take place at Hassan II Stadium, before FIFA confirmed that no decision has been reached yet.
Lekjaa’s statements came during a political gathering in Bouznika, where he spoke confidently about the Benslimane region securing the honor of hosting the tournament’s biggest match, co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Lekjaa stated that Benslimane would host the final at Hassan II Stadium, expressing his hope that the Moroccan national team would be one of the finalists. However, FIFA responded simply by stating that the decision will be announced “in due course.”
Hassan II Stadium is being constructed over a total area approaching 100 hectares, with a seating capacity of 115,000 spectators. This will make it the largest stadium in Africa and one of the biggest football venues globally, featuring a massive roof design inspired by traditional Moroccan “Moussem” tents. The project is expected to be completed between late 2027 and 2028, serving as the strongest asset in Morocco’s bid, particularly due to its compliance with FIFA standards and its technical capability to host the final.
On the other hand, Spain makes no secret of its desire to secure the final. The president of the Spanish Football Federation, Rafael Louzán, announced that his country will fight for the match, putting forward the Santiago Bernabéu and Spotify Camp Nou as competing venues.
Thus, the rivalry has transcended mere stadium capacity to encompass organizational experience, transport networks, accommodation, security, and commercial value. Morocco is banking on a brand-new 115,000-seat project, while Spain relies on its footballing weight and historic arenas.
FIFA has not announced an official date to settle the matter. However, the venue for the 2026 World Cup final was chosen in February 2024—approximately two years before the tournament. Therefore, a decision regarding the 2030 final can be anticipated around 2028, though this remains an estimate based on the previous edition rather than an official deadline.
