The race to host the 2030 World Cup final has spilled into Spain’s election campaign. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People’s Party, set out what he would do if he became prime minister following the general election scheduled for 29 November.
Spain is co-hosting the tournament with Morocco and Portugal. The 2030 edition marks 100 years since the first World Cup, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay each set to stage one match as part of the centenary celebrations.
“Spain must host the World Cup final. If it doesn’t, I think it should pull out of hosting the tournament,” Feijóo told El Chiringuito. Asked specifically what he would do if Morocco were awarded the final, he said he would push for Spain to withdraw as co-host if he became prime minister.
Feijóo made three arguments for staging the final in Spain. He cited the country’s experience hosting major sporting events, the fact that Spain and Portugal launched the bid before Morocco joined, and what he described as Spain’s victories at the most recent men’s and women’s World Cups.
Several stadiums are in contention. Spain’s leading candidates are the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid and Camp Nou in Barcelona, while Morocco is banking on the Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane, near Casablanca.
FIFA previously said it would name the venue in due course, after comments from Morocco in September fuelled speculation that a decision had already been made. The choice remains in FIFA’s hands.
The Spanish Football Federation has already pledged to work to bring the final to Spain. Feijóo’s proposed withdrawal hinges on two outcomes: whether he becomes prime minister and where FIFA decides to stage the final.
