Morocco Claim on 2030 World Cup Final Deepens Rift With Spain

FIFA has said it will decide the final venue later while the public row pushes stadium plans and co‑host ties into politics.

Overview

Fouzi Lekjaa, president of Morocco's football federation, said on Friday that Benslimane would host the 2030 final, declaring the planned Grand Stade Hassan II as Morocco's candidate.
FIFA told reporters that no decision has been made and that the final venue will be chosen "in due time," leaving the announcement open and the dispute unresolved.
Moroccan prime minister Aziz Akhannouch publicly rebuked Lekjaa and urged consultation with Spain and Portugal before making promises that affect international partners.
Spanish officials and figures including RFEF president Rafael Louzán and coach José Mourinho pushed for the Santiago Bernabéu, calling Lekjaa's declaration an electoral promise and arguing Spain's organizational case.
The clash highlights real stakes: Morocco proposes a new 115,000-seat stadium, Spain points to existing capacity and experience, and the final's location could shape infrastructure spending, diplomatic relations and domestic political messaging ahead of a later FIFA decision.