Why Spain could withdraw from 2030 World Cup hosting as political leader makes major threat

Spain’s role as a co-host of the 2030 World Cup has been called into question after the leader of the country’s main opposition party threatened to withdraw Spain from the hosting arrangement if Morocco is awarded the final.

Alberto Nunez Feijoo, a leading contender to become Spain’s next Prime Minister, made the comments during an appearance on Spanish television, giving a one-word answer when asked whether he would act on the threat.

His remarks have added a political dimension to an already heated debate over where the showpiece match should be played, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco set to share hosting duties.

The dispute has gathered pace as Spain seeks to secure the 2030 showpiece, with UEFA having already awarded Camp Nou the 2029 Champions League final. With a general election just weeks away, the timing of Feijoo’s intervention is also difficult to overlook.

Spain and Morocco battle over the 2030 final

According to the Chosun, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said during a radio interview in September that he was working to bring the final to Spain, while national team coach Luis de la Fuente has since voiced similar support. Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Camp Nou are both among the potential venues.

Morocco, meanwhile, is equally keen to host the showpiece, with federation president Fouzi Lekjaa already claiming that Casablanca will stage the match. The country is also building the 115,000-capacity Hassan II Stadium in Ben Slimane, close to the city.

FIFA has yet to make a decision, though the governing body announced on October 27 that it would inspect candidate cities and stadiums across the three host nations between November and December, assessing facilities, transport links and accommodation.

Alberto Nunez Feijoo threatens Spain's 2030 World Cup hosting role

According to Goal, Feijoo, who leads the conservative People’s Party, made the comments on La Sexta’s El Chiringuito programme. He insisted that the final should be held where its location is “indisputable, in Spain” and replied “yes” when asked whether he would withdraw Spain from the hosting arrangement if Morocco won the right to stage it.

Feijoo believes Spain has the stronger claim because Spain and Portugal were the original co-hosts before Morocco was brought into the bid. He also highlighted Spain’s status as the current holders of both the men’s and women’s World Cups. His comments come amid strained relations between Spain and Morocco, with Goal pointing to a rise in the number of migrants entering Ceuta from Morocco in July.

The political backdrop adds another layer to the dispute, with Spain due to hold a general election on November 29. The Chosun reports that the People’s Party is expected to emerge with the most seats, potentially putting Feijoo in contention to become Prime Minister if his party can form a coalition with Vox.

FGG says: Feijoo's threat raises the stakes in the 2030 hosting race

Feijoo’s comments appear to be as much about appealing to voters as they are about the football itself, and Spain’s withdrawal from the hosting arrangement remains an unlikely outcome. Nevertheless, his intervention underlines how much is at stake for both countries, with FIFA’s inspections over the next two months likely to bring the contest for the 2030 final into even sharper focus.