Morocco's Grand Vision for the 2030 World Cup Final
With a staggering 115,000 seating capacity, a public investment of one billion euros, and a projected completion date by the end of 2027, the Grand Stadium Hassan II, currently under construction near Casablanca, embodies Morocco's aspirations on the global stage. Opposing this ambition is Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu, which famously hosted the World Cup final in 1982. Advocates of Morocco's bid argue that granting the final to the North African kingdom would be a logical decision rather than a mere gesture of favor. Jacques Pekemsi, a prominent sports journalist, emphasizes that Morocco possesses compelling reasons to host major international sporting events. He notes, "In my opinion, Morocco has clear arguments today to host significant international sports events. The kingdom has demonstrated its organizational capabilities in past competitions without any logistical issues. Therefore, I believe that awarding the World Cup final to Morocco would not be a favor; it would be a continental event, not just for Morocco. In fact, I would have liked to see the entire World Cup hosted in Morocco."
Continental Significance and Previous Successes
Morocco's organizational prowess was recently showcased during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), where nine stadiums across six cities welcomed over 1.1 million spectators before the semifinals, setting a record for the tournament. This achievement is seen as a point of pride not just for Morocco, but for the entire continent. Sports journalist Jabin Kissèm Bakouyou shares this sentiment, stating, "Morocco has already hosted the CAN, and we have seen its infrastructure. It is a source of pride for Africa to host the World Cup. As an African, I can only agree: it is not just Morocco, but Africa that would host the final."
The continental dimension of Morocco's aspirations becomes even more significant when considering the historical context. In nearly a century of World Cup history, only one final has occurred on African soil: the 2010 final in Johannesburg. For the 2030 tournament, the competition will be shared among Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with FIFA holding the final decision on the event's details. The African public is vocally advocating for a balanced representation across continents, emphasizing the importance of the World Cup being held in Africa.
Kokou Hedjakpo, a fan from Togo, reinforces this perspective, stating, "It is positive that the World Cup is also being held here in Africa. If our continent is chosen to host the final, it will be excellent news and a significant advantage for Africa." As the decision lies between Casablanca, Madrid, or Barcelona, it will ultimately be up to FIFA to make the final call. The first World Cup kicked off in Montevideo in 1930, and as we approach the centennial anniversary, Africa is poised to write a historic chapter in this ongoing narrative.
As reported by es.le360.ma.
