[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Morocco is constructing the world’s largest football stadium – the 115,000-capacity Grand Stade Hassan II, scheduled for completion in 2028 – as it bids to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. Reports state that the Santiago Bernabéu, whose renovation cost stands at 1.91 billion US dollars, has long been viewed as the favourite venue for the 2030 World Cup final. Morocco, however, is actively lobbying to stage the final at Grand Stade Hassan II. Designed jointly by Populous and Moroccan architecture firm Oualalou+Choi, the venue features an aluminium dome inspired by traditional Moussem tent structures as a tribute to local culture. It can accommodate 12,000 VIPs and hospitality guests, and will be surrounded by sports and leisure zones, fully complying with FIFA requirements. Spain has long been the frontrunner to host the World Cup final, yet potential US backing for Morocco could shift the landscape. It is claimed that Donald Trump is applying pressure in support of Morocco. He maintains close ties with Gianni Infantino while holding differences with the Spanish government. Nevertheless, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has not confirmed the claim; FIFA and the White House have offered no public response, and no evidence has emerged to substantiate these allegations.
It is worth noting that UEFA, to which Spain belongs, and CAF, representing Morocco, are the two confederations holding the largest number of votes within FIFA Congress, which consists of 211 member associations. FIFA will hold its presidential election in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, next March. The choice of Rabat as the host city for the election has been interpreted as a gesture of goodwill towards Morocco. As a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco is currently one of the leading contenders to stage the tournament’s final.