2030 World Cup final saga takes another twist as Morocco claims Casablanca will host it over Spain

The bid to host the 2030 World Cup final has taken another twist after the Morocco football federation president claimed the showpiece will be staged in Casablanca.

The declaration comes despite FIFA yet to make a decision, with Spain also pushing for the final to be played on home soil.

Morocco president claims Grand Hassan II will host 2030 World Cup final

Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, told a political party event in Bouznika that Benslimane province will have the honour of hosting the 2030 World Cup final, according to Reuters.

Benslimane, around 60km from Casablanca, is where the new £1bn Hassan II Stadium is being built. The venue is projected to hold 115,000 spectators, which would make it the largest football-specific stadium in the world.

Morocco and Spain are both competing to host the final, with Spain’s RFEF president Rafael Louzan insisting earlier this year that it should be played in Spain.

FIFA, however, stressed in August that reports claiming president Gianni Infantino had promised the final to Morocco were “false and misleading”.

FIFA has now reiterated that a decision will be made “in due course”, meaning Lekjaa’s comments do not represent an official confirmation.

The 2030 tournament will be unique, with matches staged across six countries and three continents. Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will host the opening three games before the majority of the competition takes place across Morocco, Portugal and Spain.

FGG says: Morocco’s 2030 World Cup final claim adds another fascinating twist

Morocco clearly believes its Hassan II Stadium gives it a compelling case for the final, and a 115,000-capacity venue would certainly provide an incredible setting for the biggest game in international football.

However, until FIFA actually makes its decision, Spain will understandably continue to believe it has a strong claim.

The battle between the two hosts is becoming one of the most intriguing subplots of the 2030 World Cup.