Why the 2030 World Cup final could now be heading to Camp Nou instead of the Bernabeu

Barcelona have stepped up their push to host the 2030 World Cup final, with the city's mayor receiving encouraging words from the president of the Spanish football federation.

The race remains open, but recent comments from Rafael Louzan suggest Camp Nou could have a stronger chance of staging the showpiece than previously anticipated.

Is Camp Nou leading race to host the 2030 World Cup final?

Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni has publicly backed Spotify Camp Nou as the ideal venue for the 2030 World Cup final, calling on the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to support the city's ambitions.

Speaking during the presentation of the World Cup trophy exhibition in Barcelona, Collboni said he hoped the trophy would return to the city for the final on July 21st 2030, via SPORT.

Catalan sports minister Berni Alvarez also supported the bid, arguing that the region has the infrastructure and experience required to organise major sporting events.

Louzan responded positively, suggesting there were possibilities of the final being staged in Barcelona.

The RFEF chief also highlighted Camp Nou's planned capacity of 105,000, before insisting that the federation wanted the showpiece to take place in Spain, either in Madrid or Barcelona.

His comments represent a shift from January last year, when Louzan openly backed Real Madrid's Bernabeu as his preferred venue.

The Bernabeu currently holds approximately 78,000 spectators, leaving it significantly smaller than Camp Nou once redevelopment work is completed.

However, Spain faces competition from Morocco, whose proposed Grand Stade Hassan II is planned to accommodate 115,000 supporters.

Louzan also stressed that hosting the final would require national support beyond the stadium itself, including suitable transport, hotel and airport infrastructure.

Meanwhile, FIFA representatives are due to inspect Spanish and Moroccan venues, with Valencia's Nou Mestalla and Vigo's Balaidos also hoping to join the list of potential host stadiums.

FGG says: Camp Nou has a strong case to host the 2030 World Cup final

Barcelona's renewed push and Louzan's diplomatic response suggest the Bernabeu may no longer be Spain's automatic choice for the final.

Camp Nou's planned 105,000 capacity gives it a clear advantage over Real Madrid's stadium, although Morocco's proposed 115,000-seat venue remains a serious contender, too.

Ultimately, the decision will depend on more than capacity, with infrastructure, readiness and FIFA's requirements all likely to play major roles.

For now, Barcelona appear to have strengthened their position in an increasingly intriguing race.