Bernabeu or Camp Nou for 2030 FIFA World Cup final?
The battle to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final is shaping up to be a straight shootout between Spain’s two most iconic stadiums: Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Camp Nou even though the tournament is still four years away.
Spain will stage the final of the centenary World Cup, according to Spanish Football Federation (RFF) president Rafael Louzan, who insists the showpiece match will be held on Spanish soil despite interest from co-host Morocco.
The 2030 tournament will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with the opening three matches played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to commemorate 100 years since the first World Cup. While Morocco has publicly stated its ambition to stage the final, Louzan made Spain’s position clear.
“Spain has proven its organisational capacity over many years,” Louzan said.
“It will be the leader of the 2030 World Cup and the final of that World Cup will be held here.”
Although Louzan did not name a venue, attention has quickly turned to the Bernabeu and Camp Nou as the two frontrunners.
The Bernabeu, recently transformed after an extensive redevelopment, has already positioned itself as a modern, multi-purpose global arena capable of hosting major international events.
Camp Nou, meanwhile, is undergoing its own major renovation, with Barcelona’s iconic stadium expected to reopen fully as one of the largest and most advanced football venues in Europe.
Morocco, however, has not given up hope. The country is planning the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, a proposed 115,000-capacity stadium scheduled for completion in 2028.
Last year, Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Faouzi Lekjaa openly expressed his desire for the stadium to host the final, ideally in a showpiece clash against Spain.
World football’s governing body, FIFA, will have the final decision on where the 2030 World Cup final is played.