Fouzi Lekjaa says Benslimane will host 2030 final

Morocco’s bid to stage the 2030 World Cup final has received a firm public declaration from Fouzi Lekjaa, although FIFA has not yet confirmed the venue. The president of Morocco’s football federation said the Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane would host the tournament’s decisive match.

Lekjaa made the announcement at a political event on Thursday. The stadium project is being built around 60 kilometres from Casablanca, with an expected capacity of 115,000. If completed as planned, it would become the world’s largest football stadium. Lekjaa said its construction was chosen by King Mohammed VI rather than being a personal decision by the federation chief. The project’s estimated cost is 12 billion dollars.

The final remains contested between Morocco and Spain. The 2030 tournament will involve six countries across three continents, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay staging the opening matches, while Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host most of the competition. Spain’s federation president, Rafael Louzan, has also said the final should be played in Spain. FIFA rejected in August claims that its president, Gianni Infantino, had promised Morocco the match.

Lekjaa also expressed hope that Morocco will reach the final, following the national team’s run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.