Morocco's bid to host the 2030 World Cup final at the Hassan II Stadium remains in contention, with FIFA expected to announce its decision in 2028. The stadium, currently under construction near Casablanca, is set to hold around 115,000 spectators, making it the largest football-specific stadium in the world once completed. This ambitious project has become the centerpiece of Morocco's case for hosting the tournament's closing match.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, sources familiar with the process say FIFA does not plan to reveal the final venue before 2028. This timeline is similar to the previous World Cup cycle, when FIFA waited until February 2024 to confirm New Jersey as the venue for the 2026 final. As a result, the competition between Morocco and Spain remains open, despite increasingly confident statements from both sides.
Royal Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa has repeatedly expressed Morocco's ambition to bring the final to Benslimane, where the Hassan II Stadium is being built. In September, he stated that Benslimane would have "the honor" of hosting the 2030 final and called for Moroccan institutions and supporters to rally behind the effort. Meanwhile, Rafael Louzan, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, remains confident that Spain will host the final, pointing to either Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu or Barcelona's Camp Nou.
The Spanish outlet also reported that FIFA has yet to schedule its next inspection visit to Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. This visit is expected to play an important role in determining the final list of host cities and stadiums across the three countries. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will stage 101 matches during the 2030 tournament, while Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will each host one centenary celebration fixture marking 100 years since the first World Cup.
FIFA formally appointed the three main hosts in December 2024. For Morocco, the reported 2028 timeline gives the country more time to complete the Hassan II Stadium and strengthen its bid. The country's bid has become one of the most closely watched parts of preparations for 2030. With no final venue confirmed and FIFA's inspection process still ongoing, the race for the World Cup's biggest night remains open.
The 2030 World Cup is expected to be a significant event, marking 100 years since the first World Cup. Morocco's successful bid would be a major achievement for the country's football industry. The country's authorities have been working to ensure that all necessary infrastructure is in place to host the tournament.
The decision on the final venue is just one part of the preparations for the 2030 World Cup. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal are working to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place to host the tournament. The 2028 timeline for the final venue decision allows for a continued competition between the bidding countries, with Morocco's Hassan II Stadium firmly in contention.
Key points
- Morocco's Hassan II Stadium is in contention to host the 2030 World Cup final.
- FIFA is expected to announce its decision on the 2030 World Cup final venue in 2028.
- The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay hosting centenary celebration fixtures.
