Intro: Spanish football chief claims decisive match will be staged in country, despite FIFA silence
Madrid
Spain will host the final of the 2030 World Cup, according to Spanish football federation president Rafael Louzán, who expressed confidence that the tournament’s showpiece match will be played on Spanish soil despite FIFA yet to make an official announcement.
Speaking to reporters at a media event, Louzán said Spain would take the lead role in the World Cup co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, adding that the final would be staged in his country. He did not specify the city or stadium that would host the title clash.
“Spain will lead the World Cup and the final will be held here,” Louzán said, without offering further details.
FIFA has so far refrained from confirming the venue for the final of the expanded tournament, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup. Spanish media have long touted Real Madrid’s recently renovated Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as the most likely host for the final, given its modern infrastructure and global profile.
However, there had been growing speculation in recent months that Morocco could stage the final at the under-construction Hassan II Stadium near Casablanca. The venue, expected to be completed in 2028, is designed to hold up to 115,000 spectators, making it the largest football stadium in the world.
Morocco’s hopes may have been dented by organizational issues surrounding the recent Africa Cup of Nations final, which drew criticism and raised concerns about readiness for hosting a World Cup final. Those issues reportedly weakened Morocco’s bid for the tournament’s decisive match.
Barcelona could also enter the race, having completed major renovations to the Camp Nou, one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums.
The 2030 World Cup will be unique in its geographic spread, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay each hosting one match to commemorate the centenary of the inaugural 1930 World Cup, which was held in Uruguay.
