Morocco Claims 2030 World Cup Final Despite FIFA Denial

Moroccan football federation president Fouzi Lekjaa declared Thursday that the 2030 World Cup final will be played in Benslimane province, near Casablanca, during a political rally for the Authenticity and Modernity Party in Bouznika. The claim comes a month after FIFA denied reports that president Gianni Infantino had promised Morocco the final in exchange for political support.

The Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane, 60 kilometres from Casablanca, is under construction with a planned capacity of 115,000 and an inauguration target of late 2027. Cost estimates differ: Spanish outlet ABC cites $1 billion, while Deccan Chronicle reports $12 billion.

“The province of Benslimane will have the honour of hosting the 2030 World Cup final.”

FIFA has not yet designated host cities for the tournament, which will span six countries across three continents. Opening matches are set for Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with the majority of games in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.

Rafael Louzan, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, said earlier this month that Spain should host the final. The two nations are locked in a diplomatic dispute that includes tensions over Ceuta and competing claims for the showcase match.

Lekjaa linked the stadium project to Morocco's parliamentary elections on 23 September, stating that anyone seeking a role in the next government must develop Benslimane province. The election will fill 395 seats in the House of Representatives.