Morocco is positioning itself to host the final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with a key official stating that the championship match will take place at the planned Hassan II Stadium in Ben Slimane. The announcement has intensified the ongoing competition between Morocco and Spain over which country will secure the prestigious final.
Lekjaa’s Statement on the Final Venue
Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, said during a party event that Ben Slimane Stadium will host the World Cup final. He expressed hope that the Moroccan national team would also reach the final, repeating the historic run of the Atlas Lions at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the semi-finals.
Lekjaa clarified that the decision to build the Hassan II Stadium in Ben Slimane was not his personal choice but was made by King Mohammed VI.
FIFA Yet to Confirm Final Venue
FIFA has not officially announced which stadium will host the 2030 World Cup final. The competition between Morocco and Spain for the match remains unresolved. Earlier this month, Rafael Louzán, president of the Spanish Football Federation, told local media that Spain should host the final. In August, FIFA stated that media reports claiming FIFA President Gianni Infantino promised Morocco the final were “false and misleading.”
Ben Slimane and the Hassan II Stadium Project
Ben Slimane is located about 60 kilometers from Casablanca. The Hassan II Stadium is currently under construction there, with an estimated cost of around $12 billion and a planned capacity of 115,000 spectators. Once completed, it is expected to become the largest football stadium in the world.
A Unique 2030 World Cup Across Three Continents
The 2030 World Cup will be exceptional, as matches will be held in six countries across three continents for the first time. Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will host the three opening matches, while Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will host the majority of the tournament. FIFA has not yet determined all the cities and stadiums that will host matches.