CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — A tug-of-war has emerged between Morocco and Spain over the right to host the 2030 World Cup final, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino caught in the middle of the dispute. As FIFA has yet to officially announce the location of the final, both Moroccan and Spanish officials are making strong claims to host the prestigious match, especially following Spain's victory in the summer 2026 World Cup.
Morocco's soccer federation president, Fouzi Lakjaa, declared at a political rally on Thursday that Benslimane will be the location for the World Cup final. "The city of Benslimane will host the World Cup final. Hate it or love it," he asserted, expressing hope that Morocco would be a contender in that match. In contrast, Rafael Louzán, the head of the Spanish soccer federation, argued that Spain earned the right to hold the final, noting that it was not explicitly stated during the candidacy discussions where the final would take place. He emphasized Spain's stature as the reigning champion in both men's and women's soccer.
The debate comes amid a backdrop of strained relations between Spain and Morocco, which have recently been exacerbated by a mass migration incident in July where tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. This has placed additional political pressure on the Spanish government as it evaluates its stance towards Morocco, acknowledging that the situation was complex and involved multiple factors.
The ongoing contest for the World Cup final location not only highlights the sporting rivalry but also underscores the geopolitical tensions between the two neighboring countries. While Spain looks to leverage its historic clubs, such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, as potential venues, Morocco is banking on the new King Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane, which is being constructed to accommodate up to 115,000 spectators.
Infantino's position is further complicated by growing unrest within FIFA, as he faces pressure following a revolt led by UEFA against his plans to sell stakes in the World Cup. However, Infantino has found support among Arab nations, including Morocco, which have backed him amidst the turmoil.
The joint 2030 World Cup candidacy involving Spain, Portugal, and Morocco was originally seen as a unifying opportunity to strengthen ties across the Mediterranean. However, the boundaries of this alliance are being tested against the backdrop of the recent border crossing tensions. It paints a complex picture of how sports, politics, and diplomacy interplay, as decisions about the World Cup final could have ramifications beyond the playing field.
In a response to the ongoing inquiries, FIFA confirmed that a decision regarding the location of the 2030 World Cup final would be made "in due course," leaving both nations to await the outcome and further intensifying the rivalry.
With both nations making their case, the approaching World Cup final promises to be as much a battleground for national pride as it will for football, amidst an evolving landscape of international relations and domestic politics.
