Morocco and FIFA face dispute over 2030 World Cup final

The venue battle for the 2030 World Cup final has exposed divisions among the tournament’s co-hosts, while FIFA insists that no decision has been made. The dispute places Morocco’s plans under scrutiny and leaves the final’s location unresolved.

Fouzi Lekjaa, president of Morocco’s football federation, presented Benslimane’s planned Grand Stade Hassan II as the likely destination for the final. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch then stressed that Morocco would need to reach an agreement with Spain and Portugal, the other hosts. Akhannouch is also a political rival of Lekjaa.

FIFA subsequently confirmed that the final venue remains undecided. That clarification followed the contrasting positions from Rabat, with the federation president speaking as though the matter were settled and the government pointing to further discussions with the partner countries.

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, added to the dispute from Spain. He said Spain’s chances of securing the final would be extremely small, or even nonexistent, if Gianni Infantino remains FIFA president after the 2027 election. Portugal, despite being the third host, is now caught between the Moroccan and Spanish positions as the contest over the showpiece match begins before the tournament itself.