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Morocco are continuing to push for the 2030 World Cup final to be staged at their ambitious new Grand Stade Hassan II, despite mounting costs surrounding the project.
The proposed 115,000-capacity stadium is expected to be completed in early 2028, but its budget has increased dramatically as construction progresses.
Grande Stade Hassan II costs continue to rise amid 2030 World Cup final bid
Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa has reiterated his belief that Grand Stade Hassan II should host the final of the 2030 World Cup.
Speaking on Moroccan television, Lekjaa argued that the showpiece should be awarded to the stadium with the largest capacity, which currently places the Casablanca venue ahead of Spain's Bernabeu and the redeveloped Camp Nou.
The project is expected to be ready in early 2028, almost two years before the tournament begins, allowing Morocco's national team and Casablanca clubs Wydad and Raja to use the ground ahead of the competition.
However, the financial scale of the development has become increasingly significant.
The original budget of five billion dirhams (£384m) has risen to approximately 13.6bn dirhams (£1bn), almost three times the initial estimate. Construction is reportedly more than 40% complete, although costs could still change as work continues.
The wider development will extend beyond the stadium itself, with plans for hotels, highways, a sports village and major transport improvements, including regional express rail services and high-speed connections.
A new railway station is also being constructed as part of the wider transformation of the Greater Casablanca area.
Despite Morocco's determination to host the final, stadium capacity alone will not determine FIFA's decision, with Spain and Portugal also competing to stage the tournament's biggest fixture.
FGG says: Why Spain must host the 2030 World Cup final
There is no denying the scale of Morocco's ambition, and Grand Stade Hassan II could become an extraordinary football venue.
However, the 2030 tournament is a joint celebration involving Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and the final simply should be staged in Spain.
The Bernabeu and Camp Nou offer enormous history, global recognition and world-class facilities, making either a compelling setting for the showpiece.
Morocco's new stadium deserves its place in the tournament, but the final should not simply be awarded to whichever venue has the biggest capacity.