Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martínez-Almeida has expressed concerns that Morocco may host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final instead of Madrid. He stated that Morocco is actively seeking to bring the match to Casablanca, while questioning the Spanish government's efforts to secure the match for Madrid. Almeida's comments were made during an event in Zaragoza on Tuesday, September 20, 2026.
Almeida contrasted Morocco's efforts with the perceived lack of action from the Spanish government. He mentioned that he has no proof or evidence that the Spanish government is working to secure the final for Madrid. The mayor also stated that Madrid's municipal authorities have not received information about any government initiatives intended to secure the final.
The mayor argued that Madrid should host the final, given the city's involvement in the original World Cup project. Spain and Portugal initially developed the joint hosting proposal before Morocco joined the bid. Almeida warned that a decision to stage the final outside Madrid should have consequences, although he acknowledged that he is not responsible for determining the future of the tournament.
Despite Almeida's concerns, Spanish football officials have publicly supported the country's ambitions. Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán stated that Spain has the credentials to host the final and announced that FIFA President Gianni Infantino would visit Madrid in the autumn to discuss preparations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also expressed his government's intention to work toward staging the final in Spain.
The competition to host the final remains unresolved. Morocco is promoting the Grand Stade Hassan II, currently under construction near Casablanca, while Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu is among Spain's proposed venues. Moroccan football federation president Fouzi Lekjaa previously expressed confidence that the match would take place in Casablanca.
FIFA has not selected the final venue, and the decision is expected to be made in due course. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will jointly host the 2030 World Cup, with three centenary matches scheduled in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Lekjaa previously stated that Africa has the right to host a World Cup final for the second time.
The 2030 World Cup hosting bid has sparked a competitive atmosphere among the bidding countries. While Morocco is actively promoting its stadium, Madrid's municipal authorities are yet to receive information about government initiatives to secure the final. The final decision on the hosting venue will be made by FIFA in the coming months.
Key points
- Morocco is actively seeking to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final in Casablanca.
- Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martínez-Almeida doubts his city's chances of hosting the final.
- FIFA has not selected the final venue, with Morocco, Spain, and Portugal competing for the honor.
