Spain fear Morocco could win right to host 2030 World Cup final

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is increasingly concerned that Morocco could be chosen ahead of Spain to stage the 2030 FIFA World Cup final, amid growing scrutiny of FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s close relationship with the North African country.

Spanish journalist Anton Meana said there were genuine doubts within the federation for the first time about where the tournament’s showpiece match would be played. He was speaking on the Spanish programme El Larguero.

“They have always been optimistic, but there are now concerns because of the relationship between Morocco and FIFA. There are a number of moves in Rabat that are causing displeasure among officials in Las Rozas, and Infantino’s actions are worrying,” Meana said.

The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Spain, Morocco and Portugal, with the final expected to become the most contested element of the tournament’s planned schedule. Spain has been viewed as the leading candidate, with the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid widely regarded by FIFA experts as the strongest venue for the match.

However, concerns have reportedly intensified within the Spanish federation because of Infantino’s links with Moroccan officials and the frequency of his visits to the country.

Infantino’s role in final decision

The final decision on the venue for the World Cup final falls within the authority of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. He could be re-elected in March 2027 for a term running until 2031, potentially giving him direct influence over the decision.

According to Meana, Infantino has visited Morocco four times during the past two years. By contrast, he has not visited Spain since Luis Rubiales became president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

That contrast has added to concerns in Spain that FIFA is seeking to strengthen its relationship with Morocco. The inauguration ceremony for the next FIFA president is also due to take place in Rabat in March 2027, a development which Meana believes could further improve Morocco’s prospects of hosting the final.

The issue has become more sensitive because of a serious dispute between FIFA and UEFA, European football’s governing body. The disagreement is said to have weakened Spain’s position in the contest, despite the Santiago Bernabeu being considered by FIFA experts to be the ideal ground for the final.

Meana said the Spanish federation was not considering withdrawing its bid to host the 2030 World Cup, even if Morocco were eventually awarded the final.

“Nevertheless, they are not thinking about withdrawing Spain’s bid to host the World Cup if Morocco wins the final in the end, because they are still working to ensure it is held in Spain. The Royal Spanish Football Federation says the World Cup is extremely important and that Spain will host the majority of the matches,” he added.

The latest concerns come only two weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Spain won the tournament for the second time in its history, beating Argentina 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in New York on 19 July. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute.