Spanish Media: Spain and FIFA Reach Agreement to Host the World Cup Final at the Bernabéu Stadium

According to a July 3 report from Spanish newspaper Marca, as the deadline of July 31 approaches, the joint bid by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup has entered a crucial phase. The three countries must finalize the number and names of host cities by this date, as per the bidding regulations. During recent meetings in Agadir, an agreement was tentatively reached to confirm the iconic Bernabéu Stadium as the venue for the highly anticipated final, aligning with FIFA’s expectations.

Despite Morocco’s earlier proposal to present an independent plan due to FIFA’s concerns over the former Spanish football federation president, Luis Rubiales, the choice of the Bernabéu for the final remains unaffected. The positive relationship between Real Madrid and FIFA has been instrumental, despite some unresolved details. For the bidding nations, securing the final on home soil has always been a key objective, and Spain is unlikely to relinquish this advantage lightly.

To enhance their bid’s competitiveness, Spain has suggested 12 to 13 host cities, including Vigo and Valencia, which were initially considered less likely candidates. The Spanish government insists on maintaining as many candidate cities as possible before FIFA’s final decision, a proposal backed by the Spanish Olympic Committee and the football association, who are actively lobbying for Vigo and Valencia’s inclusion. Portugal and Morocco are also working to secure representation for their respective cities.

With intense discussions ongoing about the remaining details, including the definitive list of host cities, some positions seem more secure than others, though there are still unresolved matters requiring further negotiation. The confirmation of the Bernabéu as the final venue has undoubtedly bolstered the bid team’s morale and set high standards for the 2030 World Cup preparations.