José Mourinho has shared his thoughts on where the 2030 World Cup final should be held, expressing a personal preference for Lisbon while acknowledging the broader discussion around the match’s location.
Mourinho’s Preference: Lisbon
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, Mourinho was asked for his opinion on the stadium that should host the 2030 World Cup final. The Portuguese coach said, “The venue of the match is one thing, and the place I prefer is another. I would prefer it to be held in Lisbon, and I apologize for this opinion.”
He clarified that his view is not influenced by his current role, adding, “This is not my opinion because I am Real Madrid’s coach now, but you know me a bit.”
The Case for the Santiago Bernabéu
Mourinho continued, “If it is possible to play in a legendary and historic stadium, where some of the best players in history have played, and it is the stadium of the most important club in the history of football, then I think it should be here (at the Santiago Bernabéu).”
He also noted, “If I were Benfica’s coach, I would say exactly the same thing.”
Ongoing Competition Between Morocco and Spain
Mourinho’s comments come at a time when FIFA has not yet decided which stadium will host the 2030 World Cup final, with competition between Morocco and Spain. Rafael Louzán, president of the Spanish Football Federation, refused on Friday to concede the final to Morocco, stressing that the final decision has not been made and rests with FIFA.
Louzán’s position was a response to statements by Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation, who announced that the Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane will host the final, affirming Morocco’s ambition to stage the tournament’s most important match.
The Hassan II Stadium, under construction in Benslimane near Casablanca, is Morocco’s standout bid to host the final, with an expected capacity of around 115,000 spectators. Spain, meanwhile, is holding on to its chances of hosting the match, foremost among them the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, one of the leading candidate stadiums.
Morocco, Spain, and Portugal are hosting the main edition of the 2030 World Cup, alongside the opening three matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup.