FIFA has officially confirmed Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as hosts of the 2030 World Cup. The decision on which stadium will host the final is expected soon, with Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid emerging as the favorite.

FIFA conference and host selection

During an extraordinary FIFA Congress held via videoconference, it was officially announced that the 2030 World Cup will take place in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. This decision has sparked discussions about which stadium will host the most important match of the tournament—the final.

According to sources close to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), the final is expected to take place in Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu. Although FIFA will have the final say, the RFEF points out that other proposals, such as Camp Nou in Barcelona or a stadium in Casablanca, pale in comparison to the Madrid venue.

Why Santiago Bernabéu?

According to the RFEF, Bernabéu is the only realistic option for several key reasons:

• Location in Madrid – The city is well-connected, with the stadium located near the international Barajas Airport.
• Organizational experience – Madrid has regularly hosted major sporting events, including Champions League finals.
• Ongoing modernization – Once renovations are complete, Bernabéu will become one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world.

An additional argument is the strong relationship between Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, and Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid. This collaboration has significant influence on the decision regarding the final’s location.

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Competition for the final

Although Santiago Bernabéu seems to be the favorite, other cities are also submitting their bids. The Spanish government supports the proposal for the final to be held at Camp Nou in Barcelona, the largest stadium in Europe. Meanwhile, Morocco is promoting Casablanca as an alternative to European venues.

However, FIFA’s priority of continent rotation makes a final in Europe appear more natural. Madrid and Barcelona, with their superior infrastructure and experience, have a clear advantage over Casablanca.

The RFEF emphasizes that hosting the final in Madrid is critical. Santiago Bernabéu is not only a symbol of sporting excellence but also a venue that perfectly aligns with the vision of organizing the 2030 World Cup final.