Moroccan PM orders football chief to stop promising 2030 World Cup final hosting

On September 12, according to the BBC, the Moroccan Prime Minister has ordered the president of the national football association to stop making commitments to host the 2030 World Cup final. Meanwhile, Spain has stated that the final should be held in Spain.

Morocco's Casablanca Hassan II Stadium

The 2030 men's World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. In addition, to commemorate the centenary of the World Cup, the opening three matches will be held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.

Although the joint bidders have submitted a list of proposed stadiums, the specific venue arrangements and the location of the final have not yet been finalized.

Previously, Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF), announced at a party event that Casablanca would "have the honor" of hosting the World Cup final.

FIFA, as the world football governing body and event organizer, responded that a "decision will be made in due course."

In a subsequent rally, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch directly warned Lekjaa: "Do not unilaterally promise that Morocco will host this crucial final before reaching an agreement with allies such as Spain and Portugal."

"Brothers, we must follow the rules. Don't undermine us with these campaign-style slogans. This is a big deal, and the location of the final is of paramount importance."

On the Spanish side, Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales had previously stated that the final would be held in Spain, believing that Spain's victory in this summer's European Championship made its hosting claim more convincing.

He said in an interview with Spain's Cadena SER: "Although the final decision has not yet been announced, I believe the final should be held in Spain; it's a given. Everyone knows we are now European champions."

"Spain's ability to host major events is beyond doubt. Based on objective facts, this final cannot, and absolutely must not, leave Spain."

In July this year, Spain defeated England to win the European Championship. The venue for that final, located in Berlin, was officially announced well in advance.

Currently, Morocco is building a super stadium planned to accommodate 115,000 people, which will become the largest football stadium in the world once completed.

In Spain, Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium has recently completed renovations and can now accommodate 83,000 people; Barcelona's Spotify Camp Nou Stadium, after renovation, will have a capacity of 105,000 people.

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