FIFA: Final decision on 2030 World Cup venue to be made at the appropriate time
The International Federation of Association Football confirms that no final decision has been taken regarding the hosting of a 2030 World Cup match.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
FIFA confirmed yesterday that the venue for the 2030 World Cup final will be decided “at the appropriate time,” in response to comments by Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa, who had stated that the final would be held in Morocco. Spain and Morocco, co-hosts of the 2030 edition alongside Portugal, are competing for the honor of hosting the final match. Madrid is betting on the historic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, while Rabat is relying on a project to build a new stadium with a capacity of around 115,000 spectators in Benslimane, on the outskirts of the economic capital, Casablanca.
In this context, Lekjaa confirmed on Wednesday that the global event would take place in his country. During a general meeting held in the same area, according to a video clip published by local media outlets including the weekly TelQuel, he said: “The Benslimane region will host the World Cup final, whether you like it or not.” However, FIFA responded to a question from Agence France-Presse yesterday, stating that no decision had been made yet. A spokesperson for the global football body said: “As announced on August 5, 2026, FIFA will make its decision at the appropriate time.”
As tensions between the two neighboring kingdoms rise, Lekjaa’s remarks sparked reactions in Spain. Portuguese Real Madrid manager José Mourinho was asked about the issue during a press conference yesterday and expressed his support for the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium hosting the final. The Portuguese said: “I would have preferred the final to be held in Lisbon, but I am already happy that a country like ours will host at least one match” at the World Cup. He added: “If you can play in a legendary and historic stadium, which has witnessed the brilliance of some of the greatest players in history, and which is the home of the most important club in football history, I believe the final should be held here,” in Madrid. He continued: “If I were the manager of Benfica, I would say exactly the same thing.”
