The Spanish Football Federation is increasingly concerned that Morocco could be chosen to host the 2030 World Cup final, with the close relationship between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Moroccan officials seen as a potentially decisive factor in the competition between Madrid and Rabat.
Spanish journalist Anton Meana said there were genuine doubts inside the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for the first time about where the tournament’s showpiece match would be staged. He made the comments on the Spanish radio programme El Larguero.
“They have always been optimistic, but there are now concerns because of the relationship between Morocco and FIFA. There have been a number of moves in Rabat that have upset officials in Las Rozas, and Infantino’s actions are causing concern,” Meana said.
The concerns have emerged only two weeks after the 2026 World Cup, staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Spain won the tournament for the second time in their history by beating Argentina 1-0 in the final at MetLife Stadium in New York on 19 July.
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.
Infantino’s relationship with Morocco
The final decision on the venue for the 2030 World Cup final lies with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. He could be re-elected in March 2027 for a term running until 2031, which would give him significant influence over the outcome of the disputed bid.
The RFEF is particularly concerned that Infantino has visited Morocco four times during the past two years, while he has not visited Spain since Luis Rubiales was president of the Spanish federation.
That difference is viewed by Spanish officials as evidence of FIFA’s increasingly close relationship with Morocco.
The ceremony to install FIFA’s next president is scheduled to take place in Rabat in March 2027. That timing is regarded as another factor that could strengthen Morocco’s prospects of securing the final, especially given Infantino’s links with Moroccan leaders.
Morocco, Spain and Portugal are the joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay also scheduled to host celebratory centenary matches. However, the principal dispute in the current discussions concerns the location of the final.
FIFA and UEFA dispute adds to Spanish concerns
Spain’s position is also being affected by what the report describes as a serious dispute between FIFA and UEFA, European football’s governing body.
That disagreement is believed to have weakened Madrid’s chances, despite FIFA experts reportedly considering Santiago Bernabeu in the Spanish capital to be the ideal venue for the most important match of the competition.
Meana said the RFEF was not considering withdrawing Spain’s World Cup bid even if Morocco were ultimately awarded the final.
“Even so, they are not thinking about withdrawing Spain’s bid to host the World Cup if Morocco eventually gets the final. They are still working to ensure that it is played in Spain. The Royal Spanish Football Federation says the World Cup is extremely important, and that Spain will host the majority of the matches,” he said.
The RFEF therefore remains committed to Spain’s role as a principal host, while continuing its efforts to secure the final for the country. The choice of venue is expected to remain a sensitive issue as FIFA, Spain and Morocco work towards a definitive decision.
