Spain has firmly rejected the idea of withdrawing from the 2030 FIFA World Cup if Morocco is ultimately selected to host the tournament's final at the future Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane.
The Spanish Football Federation has emphasized its commitment to the joint hosting project, with federation president Rafael Louzán insisting that previously signed agreements must be honored.
Spain Insists on Its Commitment
The debate intensified after Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, indicated that the future Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane would host the 2030 World Cup final.
Louzán responded by making Spain's position clear, stating that the country would not consider withdrawing from the tournament regardless of where FIFA ultimately decides to stage the final.
- "We, Spain, have signed agreements with the other host countries, with FIFA and with the government for the organization of this competition."
The Spanish federation president also stressed that no final decision has yet been made by FIFA or Gianni Infantino regarding the venue of the final.
The Hassan II Stadium Enters the Spotlight
Morocco's ambitious plans for the Grand Stade Hassan II have placed Benslimane firmly at the center of the final debate.
The future stadium is expected to accommodate approximately 115,000 spectators, comfortably exceeding the capacity generally associated with hosting a World Cup final.
Beyond its enormous seating capacity, the project is expected to feature extensive media facilities, hospitality areas, parking infrastructure, and the operational facilities required for one of the world's biggest sporting events.
Spain Continues Its Final Campaign
While Spain has ruled out withdrawal, the country continues to make a strong case for hosting the tournament's showpiece match.
Louzán has described Spain, alongside Portugal, as a key driver of the 2030 World Cup project and argued that the country possesses the infrastructure and experience required to stage the final.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has also publicly backed Spain's position, arguing that the country has world-class stadium infrastructure and deserves consideration for the tournament's biggest match.
A Decision Still to Come
Despite the growing debate, the final venue has not yet been officially decided.
The upcoming FIFA Congress in Rabat on March 18, 2027 is expected to be an important moment in the process, with the final decision remaining in FIFA's hands.
For now, both Morocco and Spain continue to present their respective cases, ensuring that the race to host the 2030 World Cup final remains one of the most closely watched stories surrounding the tournament.
Morocco's Grand Ambition
Lekjaa has made no secret of Morocco's ambitions for Benslimane, describing the province as a future centerpiece of the country's World Cup plans.
The potential arrival of the final would represent far more than a footballing occasion for Morocco, placing Benslimane at the heart of a major infrastructure and development project surrounding the 2030 tournament.
Spain, meanwhile, continues to push for the final to be staged on its territory, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also publicly expressing his country's ambition to host the showpiece.
One World Cup, One Historic Final
With Morocco, Spain, and Portugal preparing to jointly welcome the football world in 2030, the competition to host the final adds another fascinating chapter to the tournament's story.
Whatever decision FIFA ultimately makes, one thing is already clear: the Grand Stade Hassan II has placed Morocco firmly in the conversation for the biggest match of the 2030 World Cup.