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As preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup gain momentum, a contest is brewing between Morocco and Spain over hosting the tournament's most important events: the opening match and the final. This competition is drawing significant attention as both nations seek the spotlight on football's biggest stage.
According to a report by Jeune Afrique, the distribution of matches among the three host countries—Morocco, Spain, and Portugal—is a key point of negotiation. Early indications suggest that while Casablanca might host the opening game, Madrid could be the venue for the final. The exact allocation of matches is still under discussion, with stakeholders from all three countries actively involved in the process.
On October 28, 2023, in Rabat, the leaders of the football federations from Morocco, Spain, and Portugal signed a letter of intent, marking a significant step toward hosting the 2030 World Cup. This agreement will guide the distribution of matches, though the final details are yet to be confirmed. While most of the games will be held in Europe and Africa, three matches will take place in South America to honor the inaugural World Cup in Uruguay in 1930. These games will be held in Montevideo, Buenos Aires, and Asunción. The remaining 101 matches are yet to be allocated, sparking ongoing discussions.
Sources indicate that the tournament could be spread across 20 stadiums: 11 in Spain, 6 in Morocco, and 3 in Portugal. Because Portuguese stadiums have smaller capacities (none exceed 65,000 seats), it's unlikely that Portugal will host the opening match or the final, which require a minimum capacity of 80,000. Portugal's matches are expected to be limited to the group stage, knockout rounds, and possibly one semi-final.
Morocco, on the other hand, has selected six stadiums for the World Cup: Rabat, Fez, Agadir, Marrakech, Tangier, and the Grand Stade de Casablanca in Benslimane, which will soon be completed and is set to become one of the world's largest stadiums.
"Since Spain has the most stadiums, it's likely that Morocco will host about a third of the 101 matches yet to be allocated," a source close to the negotiations told Jeune Afrique.
As anticipation builds, Morocco and Spain both have their sights set on hosting either the opening match or the final. "Opinions vary in Morocco," explained Nassim El Kerf, a Moroccan journalist. "Some believe that hosting the opening match at the Grand Stade de Casablanca would guarantee the nation's participation, while others think that hosting the final would be more prestigious."
A source close to the discussions noted, "The opening match in Casablanca and the final at the Santiago Bernabéu [home of Real Madrid] is a likely scenario. Morocco's new stadium will be one of the largest in the world, so it makes sense for them to host one of the tournament's key events there."
The source also emphasized the strong relations between Morocco and Spain, stating, "The relationship between the two countries is positive, and I can't imagine them coming into direct conflict over this. Everything will be settled amicably." In recent years, both countries have strengthened their collaboration in areas like trade, anti-terrorism, drug trafficking, and irregular immigration, contributing to smooth coordination for the World Cup.
Ultimately, the allocation of key matches will involve political negotiations among the three countries, with football federations playing a central role. Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and Minister Delegate for Finance, is expected to be a key player in these discussions.
As the excitement grows, the world waits to see which nation will secure the honor of hosting the 2030 World Cup's opening and final matches—events that will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on football history.