One day after the collaborative bid from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup was awarded, tensions surfaced between Spain and Morocco regarding the location of the tournament's final match.
Spain's Sports Minister Miquel Iceta said during an interview with Onda Cero radio on Thursday, October 5, that while it's premature to make assumptions, he expects that the final would take place in Spain.
The country boasts of the largest stadium in Europe, FC Barcelona's Camp Nou, which can hold up to 105,000 people after its renovation will be completed in 2025-26.
Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is also the third largest stadium on the continent, with a capacity of over 80,000, and it is likely the venue that will host the final due to being located in the country's capital.
However, Fouzi Lekjaa, the head of Morocco's football federation, emphasized his ambition for the final to be hosted in Casablanca.
"We hope to live an extraordinary final that honours the whole continent and the young generation in a stadium in Casablanca that will be extraordinary and wonderful," Kekjaa said.
Read more: Historic 2030 FIFA World Cup to be Held in Six Different Countries to Celebrate Tournament Milestone
Argentina wants to host more matches
Argentina, one of the three South American countries to host an opening match to commemorate the tournament's 100th anniversary, entered the discussions.
Government officials and the Argentine Football Association have expressed their intention to secure more matches than just the single opening match initially allocated to them.
Related Article: FC Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal's Toilet Break Leaves Barca With Ten Players in UCL Game
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.