FIFA has pushed back against Morocco's assertion that the 2030 World Cup final will take place in Casablanca, clarifying that the ultimate venue decision remains pending. The clarification arrived on Friday after Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, publicly declared that the showcase match would be held in the North African nation.
Speaking at a public meeting in the Benslimane province near Casablanca, Lekjaa insisted that the region would stage the final regardless of outside preferences. The proposed location centers on the planned Hassan II Stadium, a massive 115,000-seat facility currently designed to become the largest football-specific venue globally. Morocco is set to co-host the 2030 tournament alongside Spain and Portugal, with the opening three matches slated for South America to celebrate the tournament's centenary.
Following the Moroccan federation's remarks, the venue debate drew commentary from European football figures. Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho publicly threw his support behind Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu, praising it as a historic and legendary stadium. Meanwhile, FIFA reiterated that no formal choice has been finalized, pointing back to an August communication indicating that an official announcement will be delivered in due course.
