Morocco’s ambitions for the 2030 FIFA World Cup final remain firmly on the table, with Fouzi Lekjaa making a clear case for the proposed Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane. The president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) believes the stadium’s planned capacity of 115,000 spectators gives it a significant place in the discussion over which venue should host the tournament’s biggest match.
Speaking on the Moroccan television programme Saât Assaraha on 2M on Wednesday, October 28, Lekjaa discussed the construction project, its expected completion date and the broader vision behind Morocco’s preparations for the centenary edition of the World Cup.
His message extended beyond football. The stadium is intended to become part of a wider transformation of Greater Casablanca, with transport infrastructure and urban development expected to accompany the construction of the monumental venue.
Hassan II Stadium: A 115,000-Seat Vision
At the centre of Morocco’s proposal is the Grand Stade Hassan II, a stadium planned to accommodate 115,000 spectators.
Its scale places it at the heart of the country's ambitions for the 2030 tournament, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Beyond providing a venue for international football, the project is expected to become a major landmark for the Casablanca region.
Lekjaa explained that the stadium should be viewed as more than a sporting facility, describing its role in the wider restructuring of Greater Casablanca.
The development is expected to coincide with improvements to transport connections, including the regional express railway network and high-speed rail infrastructure. These projects are intended to improve accessibility and support the region's long-term development.
- “In the coming years, we will see a different Greater Casablanca,” Lekjaa said, outlining the broader vision associated with the project.
Construction Progress and an Early 2028 Target
Lekjaa also addressed the progress of construction, expressing confidence in the pace of work.
According to his statements, the stadium could be completed in early 2028, almost two years before the World Cup begins. If that timetable is achieved, Morocco would have an opportunity to stage matches at the venue well before the tournament itself.
Such a timeline could allow the Atlas Lions, as well as Casablanca rivals Wydad and Raja, to play there ahead of the global competition.
Lekjaa highlighted the benefits of allowing the national team to experience the stadium before the World Cup, while also leaving open the possibility of hosting other major events.
Early use would provide an opportunity to assess the venue's operations and introduce supporters to what could become one of Morocco's most significant sporting destinations.
Why Morocco Wants the 2030 World Cup Final
The debate over the final is about more than stadium size. Morocco's joint bid with Spain and Portugal is built around a tournament intended to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup, bringing together countries on both sides of the Mediterranean.
Lekjaa referred to the wider message associated with King Mohammed VI's announcement of the joint organisation in Kigali, highlighting cultural connections, shared history and closer relationships between peoples.
In that context, the tournament represents an opportunity for the three host nations to promote cooperation, coexistence and exchanges between younger generations.
Morocco's ambitions to host the final, however, remain part of that vision. Lekjaa argued that stadium capacity should be a central consideration when deciding which venue stages the showpiece match.
- “The final should go to the venue with the largest capacity. For now, that is Hassan II Stadium,” he stated.
His remarks make clear Morocco's position, although the final venue will ultimately depend on the tournament's official hosting decisions.
A Wider Legacy for Casablanca and Moroccan Football
The Hassan II Stadium project forms part of Morocco's broader preparations for a World Cup that could bring global attention to its sporting infrastructure, transport networks and cities.
For Casablanca, the anticipated benefits extend beyond matchdays. Improved connectivity and new infrastructure could influence how residents and visitors move throughout the wider metropolitan area.
For Moroccan football, the prospect of the Atlas Lions playing at such a venue before 2030 also offers an opportunity to build familiarity with the stadium and create a memorable atmosphere for supporters.
The challenge will be to deliver the project on schedule while ensuring that the surrounding infrastructure develops in line with its ambitions.
The Race for the World Cup Final Continues
Morocco has made its position clear: the planned capacity of Hassan II Stadium is central to its argument for hosting the 2030 final. Lekjaa's comments also underline that the country's World Cup preparations are intended to leave a wider legacy beyond the tournament itself.
With Spain and Portugal also involved in the joint hosting project, the final venue remains a major point of interest as preparations continue.
If completed as planned, Hassan II Stadium will give Morocco a 115,000-seat stage on which to present its case for hosting the biggest match of the 2030 World Cup.