Morocco and Spain vie for 2030 World Cup final venue

Morocco appears to have gained a decisive edge in the race to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. Reports cite that the kingdom may control 22 of the 37 FIFA Council votes, backed by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, former US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Its main argument is the new Hassan II stadium near Casablanca, projected to hold about 115,000 spectators, and a large desalination plant that would secure water supplies for the event.

Spain rejects the notion that the decision is settled. Minister Milagros Tolón said no official FIFA ruling exists and vowed that Madrid will "work to have the final in Spain". The Spanish bid leans on renovated venues such as the Santiago Bernabéu and Camp Nou and an inter‑ministerial commission of more than 150 experts supporting the candidature.

The tournament will be jointly staged by Morocco, Spain and Portugal from 13 June to 21 July 2030, with commemorative matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. A FIFA meeting in September will decide which stadium will host the final, keeping the outcome uncertain.