Morocco has strengthened its position in the race to host the 2030 World Cup final, outperforming Spain in the latest evaluation reports. The North African kingdom is now seen as the frontrunner to stage the tournament’s showpiece match.
According to official documents revealed by the Spanish newspaper El País, Morocco scored higher than Spain in several key technical criteria assessed by FIFA. The reports, dated 2026, show that Morocco received a score of 8.2 out of 10 for its proposed final venue, while Spain’s bid scored 7.9.
The evaluation focused on infrastructure, stadium capacity, transport links, and accommodation. Morocco’s planned stadium in Casablanca, which is set to be expanded to hold 115,000 spectators, was highlighted as a major advantage. The venue is scheduled for completion by 2028.
Spain’s bid, which includes the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid and the Camp Nou in Barcelona, scored well on experience but lost points on logistical integration. The joint bid from Morocco, Spain, and Portugal was officially confirmed in 2023, but the final match location remains undecided.
FIFA’s technical report, published in 2026, noted that Morocco’s proposal offers “a compact and efficient layout” for the final. The report also praised the country’s investment in high-speed rail links between host cities.
Spanish officials have pushed for the final to be held at the Bernabéu, citing its history and capacity. However, the latest FIFA assessment suggests Morocco’s bid is now in a stronger position. A final decision on the 2030 World Cup final venue is expected in 2027.
Morocco’s bid committee welcomed the news. “This confirms our commitment to delivering a world-class event,” a spokesperson said. “We are ready to host the world in 2030.”
The 2030 World Cup will be the first to be staged across three continents. The tournament will mark 100 years since the first World Cup in Uruguay, with matches also set to be played in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to celebrate the centenary.
