Sports
Amidst ongoing preparations for the 2030 World Cup, Spanish media reports indicate that the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid is emerging as a prime candidate to host the tournament's final match, while projections lean towards distributing the two semi-final matches between Casablanca and Barcelona. Spain, Morocco, and Portugal will jointly host this historic edition of the World Cup, with three celebratory matches also scheduled in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, commemorating the centenary of the tournament's inaugural edition. Spanish press reports have clarified that prevailing inclinations within the FIFA headquarters in Zurich suggest a preference for holding the final match at Real Madrid's home ground, while allocating the two semi-final encounters to Casablanca and Barcelona. Despite escalating media and public debate between Spain and Morocco regarding each country's claim to host the final, this vision has remained unchanged thus far. It is emphasized that FIFA has not yet made any official decision, and the final venue might not be confirmed until next year or even 2028. Information has revealed that Real Madrid previously reached what was described as an "unwritten agreement" with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, based on a firm conviction that the Santiago Bernabéu stadium is the most suitable venue for the 2030 World Cup final. Although the relationship between Real Madrid and Infantino has recently experienced some strain, this does not signify an abandonment of the initial concept regarding the final match being held at the esteemed Spanish club's stadium. Furthermore, reports indicated that the three host nations, during the bidding phase, had outlined an initial roadmap that included holding the final at the Santiago Bernabéu. However, no official document was signed to guarantee this arrangement, leaving the ultimate decision in FIFA's hands. Conversely, the Spanish news agency EFE quoted Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, as stating during a political event in Bouznika, Morocco, that the province of Ben Slimane would have the honor of hosting the 2030 World Cup final. Ben Slimane is located approximately 60 kilometers from Casablanca and is the designated site for the currently under-construction Grand Stade de Casablanca (Hassan II Stadium), which is expected to have a capacity of 115,000 spectators, making it the largest football stadium globally.
