WAFCON 2026: Cameroon defeat Morocco, set up final against Malawi

Morocco is pouring nearly €34.5 million into the Hassan II stadium, located near Casablanca, in a bold effort to host the 2030 World Cup final. This investment, which will also provide a hybrid pitch and 114,414 seats, reflects Morocco's determination to compete against Spain and Portugal for the privilege of hosting the prestigious event.

The new stadium, designed to accommodate over 114,000 spectators, is being built to become the world's largest purpose-built football ground. It is part of Morocco's strategy to claim the showpiece match for itself. Two contracts have been released to cover the playing surface and seating. The first contract, worth around €8.6 million, funds a hybrid natural-and-synthetic grass system with advanced drainage, irrigation, mobile LED grow lights, and specialized turf fans.

The second and much larger contract, amounting to roughly €26 million, pertains to the seats, including general admission, VIP, and media spots. The overall cost of the Hassan II project is projected to surpass €1 billion, with construction of the upper tier already underway and the complex set to be completed by late 2027 or 2028, well ahead of the tournament.

Moroccan officials argue that the new, fully customizable venue meets all FIFA requirements more effectively than existing city-center stadiums. The ambitious project has been spearheaded by Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation and current budget minister. Lekjaa, who is also a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, is considered a potential future prime minister after the upcoming September elections.

His close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino has drawn attention, though FIFA has dismissed rumors of offering the final in exchange for stronger African representation within FIFA as "false and misleading." The Hassan II project has intensified Morocco's push for the 2030 World Cup final, positioning it as a strong contender against Spain and Portugal.

While Spanish officials had initially assumed Madrid or Barcelona would host the match, the heavy investment and diplomatic efforts by Morocco have turned the situation into a genuine competition. Despite recent border tensions with Spain, Moroccan officials maintain confidence in their ability to ensure security during the event, citing successful management of the 2027 FIFA Congress and the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, critics question whether a country struggling to manage security on a short land border can guarantee safety for a World Cup final with global attention, high-profile guests, and large crowds. Spanish Federation President Rafael Louzan has previously insisted that the final should be held in Spain, with Real Madrid's renovated Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona's Camp Nou also among the potential venues.

Ultimately, FIFA alone will decide the location, and no public timetable has been set. Morocco's substantial investment and persistent diplomatic efforts have transformed what many had considered a near-certain Spanish outcome into a genuine contest, with the final seemingly within reach for Morocco as the country continues to write the cheques to make it happen.