The head of Spain’s football federation asserted Tuesday that his country will stage the 2030 World Cup final, touting its superior organizational track record while pointing to chaotic scenes at Morocco’s recent Africa Cup of Nations as detrimental to the sport’s reputation, though FIFA has yet to confirm any venue decisions.
Rafael Louzan, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, expressed confidence in Spain’s lead role for the centenary tournament, co-hosted with Portugal and Morocco, plus ceremonial matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
“Spain has a proven organisational capacity, demonstrated over many years; it will lead the 2030 World Cup and the final of that World Cup will be held here,” Louzan said.
He acknowledged Morocco’s infrastructural strides but critiqued incidents during its AFCON hosting, stating: “Morocco is truly undergoing a transformation in every sense, with magnificent stadiums. We must acknowledge what has been done well. At the Africa Cup of Nations, we saw scenes that damage the image of world football.”
Louzan highlighted the event’s historical significance, adding: “It will be the centenary edition, because it will mark 100 years since that World Cup held in Uruguay. We have to rise to the occasion. We are working to ensure that Spain has the best World Cup in history in 2030.”
Media reports noted Louzan’s remarks reflect aspirations rather than finalized plans, with FIFA’s choice—potentially favoring Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu or Casablanca’s under-construction Grand Stade Hassan II—slated for after the 2026 edition in North America.
The comments come amid lobbying by the joint hosts, as Morocco seeks to showcase its capabilities following crowd disturbances and logistical hiccups at the AFCON final.
