2030 World Cup Final Madrid vs Casablanca Morocco Challenge
Long considered the undisputed favorite, the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium now sees Morocco making a strong comeback in the race for the 2030 World Cup final. The future Hassan II stadium in Casablanca is establishing itself as a credible candidacy.
Eighteen months ago, Spanish officials considered it practically impossible that Madrid would lose this final. The situation has since changed dramatically, notably due to Morocco’s investments and the current institutional weakness of the Spanish Football Federation.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Casablanca 2030 World Cup Final Bid Challenges Spain
"Today, I would not be surprised" if the Bernabéu loses the final, confides a Spanish source cited by The Athletic. This source highlights the gap between the work accomplished by Morocco and the increasingly fragile position of the Spanish Royal Football Federation.
Casablanca is no longer an outsider
Morocco is building the Hassan II stadium near Casablanca, a venue with 115,000 seats specifically designed to meet FIFA requirements. Approximately one billion euros in public funding is announced, to which will be added new road and rail connections with Casablanca and Rabat.
Against it, the Bernabéu retains major arguments: its history, its location in the heart of Madrid and its €1.5 billion renovation. The Spanish Federation also recalls that Spain will host more matches than its Moroccan and Portuguese partners.
But Morocco also benefits from the international weight of Fouzi Lekjaa. The president of the Moroccan Federation sits on FIFA’s Council, holds the first vice-presidency of the African Confederation and maintains close relations with Gianni Infantino.
On Bladi.net : Morocco vs Spain 2030 World Cup Final Stadium Battle
The final decision will belong to FIFA and could still take several years. No stadium has been officially chosen. But the final that Madrid thought was almost assured has now become a real battle with Casablanca.
