Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu could miss out on opportunity to host 2030 World Cup final
· Yahoo Sports
Real Madrid have long assumed that their stadium, the Santiago Bernabeu, will be the chosen venue to host the 2030 World Cup final, despite competition from the Spotify Camp Nou.
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However, the Bernabeu may no longer be the clear favourite to host the 2030 World Cup final, with Morocco gaining ground in the race to stage the biggest match of the tournament.
According to The Objective (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Morocco is currently considered the favourite to host the final.
The report claims the country has significant support in its attempt to secure the match, putting the Bernabeu’s chances under threat.
Morocco emerges as serious rival
The 2030 World Cup will mainly be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will stage the opening matches to commemorate the centenary of the first World Cup.
Spain currently has nine stadiums prepared for the tournament, compared to six in Morocco and three in Portugal.
The Santiago Bernabeu is in contention for the 2030 World Cup final. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Given that situation, the renovated Santiago Bernabeu had been widely viewed as a natural candidate to host the final.
However, Morocco is building the Hassan II Stadium, which is expected to have a capacity of around 115,000 spectators.
That would give it a significant advantage in terms of attendance compared to the Bernabeu, which holds around 85,000.
Real Madrid must wait for final decision
The report also claims Morocco has support from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, as well as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
That has increased concerns that the final could eventually be awarded to Morocco rather than Madrid.
Morocco could beat Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
It is quite surprising because Morocco were not part of the initial bid to be a host country for the 2030 World Cup.
The African nation joined the Iberian bid only after the war situation in Ukraine prevented them from hosting some of the games.
From Los Blancos’ perspective, losing the final would undoubtedly be disappointing.
The Bernabeu has undergone a huge transformation to become one of football’s most modern and recognisable stadiums, and hosting a World Cup final would further strengthen its global status.
It must be remembered that nothing has been decided as yet. Capacity is important, but it should not be the only consideration when deciding where football’s biggest match will be played.
The battle to host the 2030 final appears increasingly competitive. Madrid will hope that the Bernabeu’s prestige eventually trumps Hassan II’s capacity.
It remains to be seen who FIFA eventually choose to host the 2030 final.