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Spain have just celebrated their World Cup triumph, beating Argentina 1-0 in the final thanks to a Ferran Torres goal in extra time. However, attention has immediately shifted to the 2030 edition, where another fierce competition is taking place - that of hosting the tournament's final.
The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with the first three matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to mark the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup.
One of the most important questions that has yet to be answered is the stadium that will host the final. So far, the Santiago Bernabeu has been considered the favorite, but Morocco is strongly pushing the candidacy of the new Hassan II stadium near Casablanca.
Bernabeu, Spain's traditional choice
The Spanish Football Federation sees the Santiago Bernabeu as the ideal candidate. Real Madrid's stadium is one of the most iconic arenas in the world and, after an investment of 1.5 billion euros, offers all the conditions required by FIFA.
Sources close to the Spanish federation have emphasized that Spain will organize the largest number of matches during the tournament, has extensive experience in international events and remains one of the main powers of world football.
However, the same sources admit that the situation is no longer as clear as it was a few months ago.
" Eighteen months ago it was impossible for the Bernabeu to lose the 2030 final, but today I wouldn't be surprised. The Spanish Federation's position is much weaker compared to everything Morocco has done ."
Morocco invests billions for the final
Morocco is building the giant "Hassan II" stadium, with a capacity of 115,000 spectators, while the government has guaranteed around 1 billion euros in funding for its construction alone, not counting investments in infrastructure.
ANEP Director General Susi Yasir did not hide the objective.
" We love the final. We know that for many people the Bernabeu is the cathedral of football, but it is an existing stadium in the middle of the city. The Hassan II is completely new and can adapt to any FIFA requirement. Anything they ask for, we can provide ."
Behind the project is also the president of the Moroccan Federation, Fuzi Lekja, one of the most influential figures in African and international football, who enjoys very good relations with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Sources close to the Moroccan organizers believe it would be "more fair" for the final to take place in Africa.
" It would be more appropriate for Casablanca to host the final, given that the African continent has only hosted one World Cup final ."
Concern in Spain
There are fears in Spain that the country could lose hosting the final, especially after numerous institutional changes in the Spanish Federation.
However, the Minister of Sports, Milagros Tolon, tried to calm the situation.
" There is nothing official. These are just speculations and I assure you that the Spanish government will work for the final to be played in Spain ."
Even the president of the Spanish Federation, Rafael Luzan, expressed confidence that his country remains the favorite.
" Spain has the greatest weight in this World Cup. We are ready and can organize great events ."
The decision will be made by FIFA.
As with the 2026 World Cup, the decision on the final stadium for 2030 will be made by FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino, along with the organization's top leaders.
According to various sources, Morocco enjoys the advantage of strong state support and excellent relations with FIFA, while Spain relies on the tradition, infrastructure and prestige of the "Santiago Bernabeu".
A source from the Spanish Federation remains optimistic:
" We know that Gianni Infantino likes to convince with ambitious projects and Morocco is doing everything to win this competition. However, we still do not see a scenario where the 2030 World Cup final is not played in Spain ."
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