.jfif)
FIFA confirmed to AFP on Friday that the venue for the 2030 World Cup final will be decided "in due course," responding to statements by Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, who asserted that it would be held in Morocco.
Spain and Morocco, co-hosts of the 2030 tournament along with Portugal, are vying to host the final. Madrid is banking on the prestige of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, home of Real Madrid, while Rabat is relying on its project to build a new stadium with a capacity of approximately 115,000 spectators in Benslimane, on the outskirts of the economic capital, Casablanca.
In this context, Lekjaa affirmed on Wednesday that the global event would be held in his country. Speaking at a public meeting held in the same region, he said, according to a video published by local media outlets, including the weekly magazine TelQuel: "The Benslimane region will host the World Cup final, whether anyone likes it or not."
However, FIFA confirmed to AFP on Friday that no decision has yet been made.
A spokesperson for FIFA said: "As announced on August 5, 2026, FIFA will make its decision in due course."
Amid escalating tensions between the two neighboring kingdoms, Lekjaa's remarks sparked reactions in Spain.
Real Madrid's Portuguese coach, José Mourinho, was asked about the matter during a press conference on Friday, and he expressed his support for the Santiago Bernabéu stadium to host the final.
The Portuguese coach said: "I would have preferred the final to be held in Lisbon, but I am already happy that a country like ours will host at least one match" in the World Cup.
He added: "If you can play in a legendary and historic stadium, one that has witnessed the brilliance of some of the best players in history, and which is the stadium of the most important club in the history of football, then I think the final should be held here," in Madrid.
He continued: "If I were the coach of Benfica, I would tell you exactly the same thing."
0 Comments