The race to host the 2030 World Cup final is turning into one of the most exciting behind-the-scenes issues, as Spain and Morocco have entered a fierce competition to secure the right to organize the most important match in world football, despite the tournament being jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with three opening matches to be held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to celebrate the World Cup's centenary.

According to The Athletic, FIFA is still withholding its decision on which stadium will host the final, as each side intensifies its efforts to persuade FIFA officials.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is the Spanish Football Federation's first choice, although Camp Nou also meets FIFA requirements after its renovation is completed.

The Spanish bid is based on several factors, most notably that Spain will host the largest number of tournament matches, in addition to its long experience in organizing major events, and its possession of one of the world's most famous stadiums, which has previously hosted the 1982 World Cup final, the European Championship final, the Champions League final, and the Copa Libertadores final.

The Bernabéu has also undergone massive development in recent years at a cost of about 1.5 billion euros, including increased hospitality and media facilities, a comprehensive renovation of the facility, as well as hosting the first NFL game in Spain.

Sources within the Spanish Federation believe that the Spanish national team winning the 2026 World Cup strengthened the Spanish bid, on the basis that the country represents one of the world's biggest football powers.

In contrast, Morocco began preparing its bid even before its hosting was officially approved, by building the new Hassan II Stadium near Casablanca, with a capacity of 115,000 spectators, and government support of nearly one billion euros.

The project includes an integrated infrastructure network of trains and highways connecting the stadium to the city of Casablanca and the capital Rabat, in line with all FIFA requirements.

Moroccan officials have repeatedly affirmed their desire to host the final, considering that the new stadium gives them a significant advantage as it was designed from the outset according to FIFA's needs.

Morocco also relies on a symbolic dimension: the African continent has hosted only one final in World Cup history, when the 2010 edition final was held in South Africa.

Morocco also benefits from the strong presence of its federation president Fouzi Lekjaa in international football corridors, as he serves as the first vice president of the African Football Confederation, a member of the FIFA Council, and is one of the most prominent supporters of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Informed sources indicate that the close relations between Morocco and FIFA's leadership give it additional weight in the race to host the final.

In contrast, the Spanish Federation has suffered from administrative turmoil in recent years following the departure of former president Luis Rubiales, while the current president Rafael Louzán, according to sector sources, does not have the same international relations network as his Moroccan counterpart.

Statements by La Liga president Javier Tebas, who attacked FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino after Spain won the 2026 World Cup, have also raised concerns within Spanish circles about their impact on the bid, as informed sources consider that entering a media confrontation with FIFA at this time does not serve Madrid's chances.

The final decision remains in the hands of FIFA, which is accustomed to deciding such matters within a tight circle led by Infantino and top FIFA officials, as happened when choosing the stadium for the 2026 World Cup final.

Multiple sources believe that FIFA prefers stadiums that give it the greatest flexibility and organizational control, which may give Morocco an advantage, given the direct government support for the project.

In contrast, the Spaniards are betting on the relationship between Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and Infantino, in addition to the historical status of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Spanish media have raised speculation about the possibility of US political pressure to support the Moroccan bid, given the close relations between Washington and Rabat, but other sources ruled out a direct impact, indicating that the hosting decision will ultimately be made according to FIFA's calculations and organizational interests.

Discussions are expected to continue in the coming months, with visits by officials from the host cities to gain organizational experience, while the next FIFA Conference in Rabat next March is likely to provide more indications of the decision's direction.

Despite the confidence shown by both sides, all sources agree that the final word will remain with the FIFA leadership, which has not yet decided the identity of the stadium that will host the 2030 World Cup final.