Moroccan FA chief says Benslimane slated to host 2030 World Cup final
Fouzi Lekjaa, head of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, told a political gathering in Bouznika that the 2030 World Cup final will be held in Benslimane, a city about 60 km from Casablanca where the Grand Stadium Hassan II is being built and is expected to be ready by 2028. Morocco’s bid faces opposition from Spain, whose federation chief Rafael Louzan and sports minister Milagros Tolón have argued that the final should stay in Spain.
The tournament will be co‑hosted across six nations on three continents, with opening matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay and main duties shared by Morocco, Portugal and Spain. The venue choice remains a key point of contention between the competing bids.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 2h later
Why it matters
The proposed location will influence where major investment and international attention focus ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTAll camps note FIFA has not confirmed the venue, but left-leaning coverage stresses that Lekjaa’s promise is false, centrist coverage highlights the political tug-of-war and the prime minister’s rebuke, while right-leaning coverage foregrounds the claim itself and the heated Spain-Morocco rivalry.
LEFT
Covers Lekjaa’s claim and stresses FIFA’s denial that any promise was made, labeling the promise as false.
CENTER
Portrays the issue as an escalating dispute, emphasizing the prime minister’s rebuke of the federation chief and Spain’s competing claim.
RIGHT
Reports Lekjaa’s assertion that Benslimane will host and frames the situation as a heated battle between Morocco and Spain, noting FIFA’s lack of a decision.
The left emphasises
- FIFA has clarified that reports of a promise from President Gianni Infantino to Morocco are false
- Lekjaa told a political gathering that the 2030 World Cup final will be held in Benslimane
- FIFA says the decision has not yet been made
The right emphasises
- Lekjaa said the province of Benslimane will have the honour of hosting the 2030 World Cup final
- FIFA has yet to announce the venue of the final
- Spain and Morocco are in a heated battle to host the tournament’s climax
How this story developed
- Sep 10 Moroccan football chief declares Casablanca will host 2030 World Cup final
- Sep 11 Lekjaa announced Benslimane as the intended final venue.
