Spanish media outlets have expressed growing concern that Spain could lose the opportunity to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final to Morocco, amid speculation over the yet-to-be-decided venue for the tournament’s showpiece match.
According to Spanish news outlet Infobae, citing Juanma Castaño, director of Spanish sports radio program El Partidazo de COPE, concerns have emerged within Spanish football circles over reports that Morocco’s bid to stage the final may be gaining momentum.
Castaño claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump was allegedly exerting pressure in favor of Morocco hosting the final because of the kingdom’s close ties with Washington. However, neither FIFA nor the White House has publicly commented on the claim, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate it.
The speculation intensified after FIFA lifted the suspension imposed on U.S. forward Folarin Balogun following his red card in the United States’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The New York Times reported that Trump had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the suspension.
Infobae reported that officials within the Spanish Football Federation are concerned the final could ultimately be awarded to Morocco’s Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca instead of either Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid or Camp Nou in Barcelona.
The outlet quoted unnamed sources as saying there is “growing concern” that external political factors could influence FIFA’s decision, although FIFA has not indicated when it will announce the venue for the final.
Spanish broadcaster COPE also reported that institutional efforts are underway to strengthen Spain’s role in the tournament, including a bid by Madrid City Council to host the International Media Centre during the World Cup.
Spanish sports commentator Roberto Palomar criticized what he described as Spain’s diminishing influence within the joint World Cup project.
He argued that the tournament was originally conceived as a Spain-Portugal initiative before Morocco joined the bid, adding that Spain’s position had gradually weakened.
“If they want to play it in Morocco, let them,” Palomar said. “We don’t have to stay on our knees forever.”
FIFA has not yet announced the venue for the 2030 World Cup final.
Morocco is seeking to host the match at the 115,000-seat Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 and is expected to become the world’s largest football stadium.
According to project officials, construction is progressing, with approximately 40% of the stadium’s seating structure completed and the overall project about 30% finished.
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